Aaron Smith has spoken publicly for the first time about a nude photograph of him that was maliciously circulated through social media, saying it was embarrassing.
But the All Blacks halfback has moved on - he's in good form and poised to extend his time in Dunedin when he re-signs with the Highlanders.
Born and bred in the North Island, Smith is happy now to be a southern man.
"[I] bought my home here, my first home and I've been here for four years. It's a good place and we're finally getting the results and the hard work has payed off from the last few years," says Smith.
Last month a nude photo of Smith went viral on social media - something he wasn't happy about.
"It's hugely embarrassing and pretty disappointing, but I learnt a lesson and [I'm] just lucky I've got support from my family and teammates, and just trying to put it behind me and let my rugby doing the talking."
He's done that, recapturing the sort of form that propelled him into the All Blacks two years ago and now has him as unquestionably the first choice halfback.
"I put a lot of the way I've been playing down to the ball I've been getting - the forwards have been going really well and I'm very lucky that half my games have been with a dry ball, that also helps," he says.
They've scored 18 tries of their 27 under the roof in Dunedin, with Richard Buckman nabbing two when they were last at home.
"It was about time I got on the scoreboard," says Buckman. "I was a bit dry for eight games or so and finally got on the board so hopefully it continues and the side keeps winning."
Buckman, like Smith, hails from the Manawatu via Hawke's Bay. He was brought in from the wider training group after time on the fringes of the Hurricanes.
"I didn't get too many opportunities up there to play regular game time, so when I've come down here I've loved my time down here," he says.
The rejuvenated Highlanders are now fifth on the table.
"I think we're turning things around," says coach Jamie Joseph. "We've got a good bunch of young fellas so it's nice to be a part of that."
Joseph says if the Highlanders win their next game this weekend, he will most likely stay on as coach.
3 News
source: newshub archive
