Rugby: Smith still buzzing over All Black call-up

Highlanders Aaron Smith (left) and Tamati Ellison celebrate their selection in the All Blacks...
Highlanders Aaron Smith (left) and Tamati Ellison celebrate their selection in the All Blacks training squad at the High Performance Academy gymnasium yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Aaron Smith thought some of his Highlanders team-mates were playing a prank when he received a text message from All Black manager Darren Shand on Sunday night.

"He wanted to know that he had my correct cellphone number," Smith (23) told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.

Ten minutes later, at 8.30pm, Smith received another text from Shand saying "Congratulations, you have made the squad."

It was a first for Smith.

"It was a surreal feeling. I'm still buzzing right now," he said.

Smith was in for the first time and his Highlanders team-mate Tamati Ellison (29) has come back after playing a test against Italy in 2009. He spent the past two years playing rugby in Japan before accepting Jamie Joseph's invitation to come home and play for the Highlanders.

"I've changed a lot since then and am a lot more mature and relaxed about things," he said.

"Once upon a time, a day like this would have been nerve-racking, but now it's good."

He is married to Meremaraea and the couple have two children, son Vini (3) and daughter Tuura (6 months).

"I've matured a lot," Ellison said.

"Just getting away from New Zealand rugby has given me a new perspective on life."

Ellison came to realise rugby was an important part of his life.

"I just enjoy rugby and having the chance to play with some great players," he said.

Ellison has flourished in the Highlanders midfield this year.

"It was made easier because I think I was craving it," he said.

"I have just kept chipping away and made sure I was doing my very best for the Highlanders.

"They are a great bunch of boys and are making my rugby easy this year."

Smith was excited about his selection and had a disturbed sleep.

"I was excited and kept tossing and turning," he said.

When he woke up, his cellphone and computer email were full of messages congratulating him.

"It's been an amazing few hours and it's still kicking in," Smith said.

Smith had dreamt of playing for the All Blacks since he started playing rugby as a young boy.

He is feeling nervous about going into camp with the All Blacks squad.

"I'm still freaking out that I will meet all those guys I've looked up to and never thought I'd play with. To train with them for a couple of weeks will be pretty cool."

Smith intends to keep his feet firmly planted on the ground when he enters the All Blacks camp.

"I will just take one step at a time and and will try to put my best foot forward."

He grew up in Manawatu and has been influenced by All Black halfback Piri Weepu and Springbok Fourie du Preez.

Smith comes from a talented sporting family and two of his cousins and aunts have played hockey for New Zealand.

The other Highlanders in the All Blacks' 35-man squad are World Cup players Andrew Hore and Adam Thomson, and fullback Ben Smith, who has played three games for the All Blacks in the past three years.

 

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