Double World Cup winner Conrad Smith may be closer to the end of his career than the start, but his body is in good enough shape to run around in Brisbane's 40 degree heat.
The 94-test All Black is part of the Pau squad that is taking part in the second annual Brisbane Rugby Tens, which kicks off on Friday.
Smith finished up his international career in style with a world cup win in 2015, before signing a multi-year deal with the French club.
The former Hurricanes captain said his old legs have a few more games left in them before he hangs up his boots.
"At 36 I've played longer than I ever thought I would," Smith said on arrival to Brisbane.
"I'm still enjoying rugby and my body is still in good shape.
"I'd like to think I'm still doing the same things I always did. I still play the same. I enjoy it and I'm really enjoying my time in France - hopefully it will be more of the same from me in Brisbane."
Smith's Pau side has been drawn against New Zealand franchises the Highlanders and Chiefs as well as the Waratahs out of New South Wales.
The 36-year-old is happy not to be facing his former side the Hurricanes in pool play, even though he won't recognise too many of their players.
"It's only been two years and there a whole new bunch of guys playing for them."
Pau's star-studded line up includes Smith's former teammates Colin Slade and Tom Taylor, as well as former Blues backs Benson Stanley and Frank Halai.
45-Test capped prop Carl Hayman, 38, has been included as a wild card for the French club.
Smith said the side is looking forward to playing a form of rugby none of the players are familiar with although playing in the humid conditions could prove a problem.
"The guys a pretty keen," he said.
"We have a good French contingent in the squad who are really excited to be coming down here. We are all pretty pumped up to play here in Australia.
"We don't have a lot of tens experience - this is all a bit new for us but we will see how it goes.
"Everyone has spoken very highly of last year's tournament. I guess the heat could be a big factor given we are coming from a pretty tough French winter.
"The shift to a bit of night footy will suit us. We have been playing in torrential rain since the beginning of November so playing in anything less than 40 degrees would be greatly appreciated."
The nine Australasian Super Rugby franchises will be joined by Pau, Japan's Wild Knights and a Fijian international side.
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