Smith made his debut alongside Brodie Retallick in the first test of 2012.
Both men will bring up 50 tests for their country under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium but Smith walked down memory lane yesterday, talking about that first test against Ireland.
"I remember that more than most. Almost everything, to be honest,'' Smith said yesterday.
"I got to the game and they had talked all week about not being an All Black until you've played your first test. I just remember getting to the game and thinking "don't do a calf or something like that''. So I didn't warm up that hard, didn't go hard.
"Even in the haka I did not go hard because I didn't want to pull a muscle or anything. I remember when the ball kicked off and I thought, yeah, I'm finally part of this beautiful team and beautiful thing. It was a wicked buzz. I was just so relaxed when the ball was in the air.
"I thought I've played a second in the All Black jersey and that is all that matters now.
"I've had some great memories in the All Black jersey and hope to add to that.''
He said making 50 games was a big deal and something he was excited about.
"To play one test match is special, so to get to 50 blows my mind. They always say time flies when you're having fun, so the last four years has just flown by. It is just really special, a huge honour and being on my home track, too, means a lot to me.''
Smith will team up with Beauden Barrett tomorrow night and said he was looking forward to combining with the talented Barrett.
"I have played all the games with Barrett when he's been 10. He is an exciting player to play with and you always get that feeling something is going to happen.
"You sort of need that in test matches, when defences are such a big part of the game.''
Smith was enjoying leading the haka and he needed to settle down a little bit after it.
"Last week I felt a lot more comfortable doing it. That first week was very nerve-wracking. I got a bit of water in my mouth last week and that really helped.''
