Smith is likely to get on to the paddock at some time on Friday night, though he may not get a start, as he faces some tough competition in the outside backs.
Included in the All Black squad as injury cover, he is up against the likes of Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford and Mils Muliaina to be there at the first whistle.
Smith was first picked as an All Black in 2009, when he played a difficult test against the Italians in Milan, and then played in a losing effort against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
Not perhaps the greatest of starts but nearly two years on and Smith says the tour had taught him plenty.
"I learnt it is just about a game of rugby. About playing your game, getting stuck in and contribute as much to the team as you can," he said.
"I'd like to think I'm a bit older and wiser, and would like to say I'm a bit better, too.
"Learning from those experiences has really helped me out. I sat down and had a really good look at my game and went through the processes about where I want to be."
Smith was not wanted by the All Blacks last season but roared back into contention with a stand-out season for the Highlanders in the fullback position this year.
He also had time to squeeze in a gold-medal winning performance with the New Zealand Sevens side at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi last year.
"It's been a fantastic year for me. I really enjoyed the sevens under Tiets [coach Gordon Tietjens] in Delhi and it was great to get the gold medal.
"It gave me a chance to work on my passing and the awareness of space. What has helped is I have had a good pre-season. I have not had that before. I've always had injuries with my pre-season and that so that was my first real chance to get a real pre-season done."
Smith may not start on Friday night but is looking forward to giving the ground a good sending off, and said he could not wait to get on to the paddock.
