All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith would rather play for his Highlanders Super Rugby franchise than feature in the first test of the year against Manu Samoa.
The 30-year-old re-signed with New Zealand Rugby in February, and part of the contract was to allow him to play for the Highlanders against the British and Irish Lions on June 13 instead of the All Blacks test against Samoa three days later.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown confirmed the deal on Trackside Radio this morning, also revealing that Smith was desperate to have the Dunedin-based franchise at full-strength for the clash against the Lions.
"There's plenty of truth to that," Brown said.
"I actually think he wanted not only himself to play against the Lions, but he wanted every All Black who played for the Highlanders to be playing as well, but I'm not sure he got that one past Shag (Steve Hansen)."
It will be an interesting discussion between the All Blacks coach and his first-choice fullback, with the Samoa test the only opportunity for the team to gel before the first test against the Lions on June 24th.
Even though it's in his contract, Brown's not totally convinced the Highlanders will have Smith leading them out against the tourists at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
"I'm not sure to be honest. I definitely know that was part of the contract, but depends on what happens when he gets in the All Black camp and how much influence Steve Hansen has over him."
Smith has proven his loyalty to the Highlanders by turning down lucrative overseas offers, and the Dunedin-born fullback is obviously passionate about the team and is keen to create history for the franchise against the Lions.
Smith will equal the Highlanders' record of 127 appearances against the Waratahs at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.
Newshub.
