All Blacks' Smith backs Sopoaga
Highlanders captain Ben Smith returns to the All Blacks starting XV on the wing for their Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks this Saturday.
All the New Zealand squad members who played in the Chiefs-Highlanders Super Rugby final were not selected for the All Blacks’ first Rugby Championship match against Argentina. After a good rest, those players are back in the mix and Smith is one of the more experienced campaigners to return to the run-on side.
With fullback Israel Dagg in good form, Smith will operate on the right wing.
“Obviously it was pretty hard watching last weekend – just wanting to be involved really. But the team played really well and when I get my chance, I’m looking forward to getting stuck in. It’s been a good couple of weeks to refresh and I’m definitely raring to go now,” Smith said.
“My preferred position is just being out on the paddock to be fair – wherever that is it doesn’t really worry me,” he said.
The 29-year-old is also excited to be playing at the Emirates Airlines Park (formerly known as Ellis Park), which has been a happy hunting ground for the All Blacks in the past few years.
“I do enjoy playing over here, they are always great Test matches and the atmosphere is pretty electric so it’s a great place to play rugby.”
Smith will play alongside Highlanders flyhalf Lima Sopoaga, who will make his debut in the number 10 jersey. Sopoaga had a stellar season with the Super Rugby winners and Smith believes his young teammate has grown in confidence in the last couple of years.
“He just learned a lot over the last few years. He just backs his instincts now and he’s not afraid to make mistakes, he goes out and throws everything on the line and that’s probably how we got the results we did this season in Super Rugby. I’m sure it will be no different when he gets the chance in the Black jersey,” Smith said.
“I’ve just seen him really backing his skillset and getting out there and enjoying his rugby.”
As for the Springbok challenge, Smith is expecting a mix of an aerial onslaught and running rugby from the South Africans on Saturday.
“I think there will be a lot of high ball this week mixed with a bit of variety in their game. That’s the way the South Africans like to test you is to put a few high balls up. It’s just part of the game; you just have to get up there and take them and be as dominant in the air as you can be.”
“I think they will employ both tactics of looking to run and to use the high ball – we’ve got to be aware of both really when we’re defending and going up for those kicks.”
While mainly focusing on his teams objectives, Smith said he was impressed with former Maritzburg College pupil and Bulls fullback Jesse Kriel. The 21-year-old made his official debut against Australia last week, and Smith saluted the young Bok for his good performance.
“He’s had a really good season. I watched him on the weekend and he scored a really good try. He’s someone that backs his skills and deserves his spot in the South African team – he’s a dangerous, x-factor player.”
The Boks host the All Blacks at Emirates Airlines Park on Saturday. Kick-off is at 17h05.
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