All Blacks great Aaron Smith thankful ‘not to be getting smashed’ by Springboks powerhouse anymore
Former All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith playing in Japan.
Former All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith admits that his move to Japan has had one significant benefit – being team-mates with Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The 35-year-old signed a deal with Toyota Verblitz and joined the club following their Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa.
Du Toit won the man of the match award in the showpiece event, making 28 tackles in a stunning performance as he constantly sent New Zealanders into reverse.
From enemies to friends
Coincidently, the Springbok has played for Toyota the past couple of years, which means that they are now on the same side in the Japan Rugby League One.
It is something Smith is relishing having faced the back-rower on several occasions during his incredible career in New Zealand.
The scrum-half opened up a question and answer session on X, formerly known as Twitter, with one supporter asking him which South African he was closest to.
“I have been enjoying getting to know PSD as my teammate. Plus, it’s nice to not be getting smashed by him,” Smith responded.
Smith was also queried about another Springbok, fellow scrum-half Faf de Klerk, after they went head-to-head just prior to Christmas.
A clip of them acknowledging each other during the match between Toyota and Yokohama Canon Eagles went viral and the 35-year-old discussed their friendship.
“A lot of good chat during the game and after. We are good friends, played against him plenty of times, and always enjoy chatting after the games. The best part of rugby,” he wrote.
Playing in Japan
Smith is playing abroad for the first time and revealed why he decided to move to Asia to play in the Japan Rugby League One.
“Always wanted to live here and play in the League One competition. It’s a high-speed, high-skilled game. I’m loving it,” he wrote.
He then explained the difference between New Zealand and Japanese rugby, and how he has adapted to playing in another country.
“The speed and skill across all positions. Even forwards have great catch, passing, and offloading skills,” the half-back wrote.
“I had a good month at home to refresh and pack up before coming to Japan. I was always excited to come and I’m loving my time so far.”
Smith says his biggest challenge has not been the rugby or even adapting to life in Japan but something very different.
“Trying to learn how to say my team-mates names right,” he joked.
