Ben Smith will bring up his 100th game for the Highlanders against the Force tomorrow night, joining Anton Oliver, Jimmy Cowan and Chris King in racking up a century of appearances for the southern franchise. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at Smith's career.
Time waits for no-one.
But Ben Smith is one man who has stood the test of time.
That is what has been so impressive about the Highlanders co-captain's career with the franchiseHe has always been on the improve, has moved with the times.
To be successful in rugby - make that sport or life - at any level, at any time, you just have to keep getting better, keep climbing up the ladder.
What you did five years ago is not going to be good enough right now.
That is what is so great about Smith. He is on the upward curve and always has been.
Ever since he played his first game in 2009, he has overcome seemingly every hurdle put in front of him.
Positional changes, being in poorly performing teams, given hospital passes - he has always shone out.
Take 2013, when the Highlanders had their annus horribilis. Smith was outstanding. If everyone had played like him the side would have won the title in a canter.
In 2011, he had to play in the midfield against the Crusaders as the Highlanders had a raft of injuries.
He never shirked the tackle and played exceedingly well as the side caused an upset in Nelson.
When he is not on the field - and that is rare as he has missed just four games since his debut, with one of them being an enforced rest - his value becomes ever so obvious.
Quality players make hard things look easy. They do not make mistakes - not basic ones, anyway.
Smith never misses touch with his kicks and never dies with the ball. The pass always goes to the man.
Last weekend, Smith scored the last try in the side's win over the Cheetahs, to kill any thoughts of a miracle comeback from the home team.
Smith did it with a nice grubber and regather, which he made look simple.
But most players would have struggled to do that or done the wrong thing.
Smith seemingly never does that.
His bad games you could write on the back of a postage stamp with a paint brush. Against the Blues in 2011, perhaps, but it was a wet night and there was nothing to play for.
Glenn Moore was never the most popular of Highlanders coaches but we do have to thank him for selecting Smith back in 2008, when the Highlanders for the following year were being selected.
Moore reckoned some were wavering on picking Smith but he went with the man from Green Island.
For that, every Highlanders fan is eternally grateful.
Best of the best
Steve Hepburn picks five great games.
1 v Force, Perth, 2009, lost 33-28
Ben Smith had played every game in his debut season and in the final game, on its way back from Africa, the side played the Force. Smith helped himself to two tries, showing his ability to evade defenders and find his way to the tryline.
2 v Force, Queenstown, 2010, lost 41-27
This was one of the lowest days in Highlanders history. An ill-disciplined side, playing like mugs against a committed opponent. Smith's 80 minutes was the only shining light. Forced to play fullback at the last minute with Israel Dagg out injured, he broke tackles, ran great lines and seemed to be playing the Force on his own.
3 v Hurricanes, Invercargill, 2011, won 13-6
A chilly night in Invercargill - there's a surprise - Smith scored the only try of the game racing ahead of some Hurricanes defenders to win the sprint to the ball. In the second half, the Hurricanes poured on to attack but could not find a try. Smith marshalled the backline and stopped some burly Hurricanes in their tracks.
4 v Blues, Dunedin, 2013, won 38-28
It was all going wrong for the Highlanders in 2013 but they finally clicked to beat the Blues under the roof.
Smith helped himself to two tries from fullback, both classy efforts. Both came in a whirlwind of a first half as the Highlanders won just their second game of the season. Smith was a constant threat on attack and created plenty for those around him.
5 v Waratahs, Dunedin, 2015, won 26-19
The champions came to town but went home again with their tails between their legs thanks to a great Highlanders effort. Smith scored a try early in the second half, breaking a couple of tackles through running a great line. He then ran right down the middle of the field, beating defenders and leading to a try to winger Patrick Osborne.
Ben Smith
At a glance
Steve Hepburn: What do you remember about your first game for the Highlanders?
Ben Smith: I remember we played the Brumbies at Carisbrook. The rest was a blur but was a proud moment to play for a team that I had spent many years going along to support as a fan.
SH: Favourite game?
BS: A few years ago we beat the Bulls in Pretoria, who had not been beaten at home for a while. The way we played and to beat one of the top teams at the time was a highlight.
SH: Most forgettable game?
BS: Probably one of the losses of 2013. SH: Hardest opponent?BS: I enjoy playing against Izzy (Israel Dagg), as he has the full bag of tricks, so he is someone who you have to keep a close eye on.
SH: One thing people do not realise professional rugby players have to do?
BS: The amount of planning, meetings and analysis. I think a lot of people see rugby as part-time job but often there's a lot of preparation behind the scenes as well as on the paddock.
SH: Favourite team-mate?
BS: Too many characters and I'll be given to much jib if I pick one, haha.
SH: Best thing about being a professional rugby player?
BS: We are living the dream, really, so don't know where to start. Travelling and the people you meet but what I enjoy most is sitting in the changing room after a win, singing the team song, followed by a cold Speight's often personally delivered by Millie [Speight's rep]
SH: Worst thing about being a professional rugby player?
BS: Being away from [wife] Katie and now [daughter] Annabelle.
SH: Favourite place to visit and why?
BS: Cape Town. There's so much to do and see and the city has a good vibe to it.
SH: Goals for the rest of the year?
BS: Help the Highlanders to their first Super rugby title. Would like to be part of the All Black team that helps retain the World Cup. Enjoy my footy.
