Final send off for Smith

Editor

After 12 seasons, Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith will play his last game in yellow on Saturday when they take on the Highlanders in Wellington.

The 'Canes have never won a Super Rugby title and hope to make history this weekend.

They have performed consistently throughout the competition as they secured top spot in the Super Rugby conference, with Smith praising their efforts.

"It's a reward for the consistency," he said. "We knew that if we put ourselves in that position on the table then … the numbers would turn up. 

The home ground advantage for the 'Canes will make it extremely difficult for the Highlanders to dominate and Smith lauded the crowd for their support in the semi-final.

"It was particularly pleasing. I'd keep playing for a few more years if I could play in front of a crowd like that every week," he continued.

The recent death of former Hurricanes loose forward Jerry Collins shocked the rugby world as they had to cope with the on and off field pressure. But Smith said the players have done well to keep those thoughts from distracting them. 

"I know if you focus on that stuff you don't always play well," he said. 

"So it was a matter of just making sure you think about what you're going to do in the game and doing your job.

"I think that's going to be the same case again next week because there will be a great buzz around the place."