Smith playing for Green Island

Former All Black Ben Smith (right) and Green Island coach Dean Moeahu share a laugh during a...
Former All Black Ben Smith (right) and Green Island coach Dean Moeahu share a laugh during a round of golf at St Clair Golf Club yesterday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
There is a strong chance Ben Smith will never agree to an interview on a golf course again.

The former All Black ended up in the bunker at St Clair midway through the conversation.

But he took it well. He was in a great mood despite the prospect of being ankle-deep in sand.

Today he will return to his roots and play his blazer game for his beloved Green Island against Kaikorai at Miller Park.

It means an awful lot to the 35-year-old who reached the top of world rugby.

He played 84 tests for the All Blacks and helped lift the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

But there was one milestone which had eluded him.

He has been poised on 49 games for Green Island since last suiting up for the Grizzlies in 2012.

He has always promised to return and the stars have finally aligned.

Green Island has a couple of injuries in the outside backs, it is heritage day at the club and his professional team in Japan has agreed to him playing in the fixture.

"I’ve always been really keen to get back and play for Green Island but I just haven’t managed to be able to do it. But I’m really excited about having a run.

"I’ve had massive support from the people involved at the club during my career with the likes of Dean Moeahu, Brendon Hollows, Red [Craig Anderson] and a whole lot of other guys.

"I’d be here all day if I was to thank all the people."

Smith will start at fullback.

It is not the World Cup final but it is a big game for Green Island. There are three trophies up for grabs.

"There is just a lot of pride in Green Island and how they are going about things at the moment. And coming back from Japan that has been awesome to see."

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