In fact, he is now taking instructions from those he used to lead.
But Smith is impressing for the Kobe Steelers in the Japan Top League.
Smith (34) has been playing on the right wing for the Steelers who have won all four of their games so far in the Japan Top League.
Japanese international fullback Ryohei Yamanaka has been playing at the back.
Smith was adept at playing at fullback or on the wing but many thought his strength was wearing the No 15 jersey.
The Steelers sit top of the table but there are other sides which are also unbeaten.
The Japan Top League is split into two conferences to start with and Smith’s Kobe Steelers are in the white conference.
Also unbeaten from four games in the white conference are the Panasonic Wild Knights.
On the other side of the draw in the red conference, Kubota Spears, Toyota Verblitz and Suntory Sugoliath are also unbeaten.
Smith scored a try in his first game for Kobe, getting across the line against NEC Green Rockets.
The Steelers beat NEC 47-38, then thrashed Canon Eagles 73-10, downed Hino Red Dolphins without Smith 52-7 and last weekend beat Ricoh Black Rams 20-19.
The Steelers are captained by former Otago and Highlanders lock Tom Franklin, who has also played on the blindside flank for the side. All Black Brodie Retallick is locking the scrum for Kobe.
Former All Black Aaron Cruden joined Kobe at the same time as Smith but is yet to start a game.
Former Otago and Highlanders first five-eighth Hayden Parker has been running the cutter for the Kobe side and has impressed in his performances.
Richard Buckman, who played 50 games for the Highlanders in 2014-19, plays in the midfield for Kobe.
