Smith is a team man — a good performance with a win is all he wants from the Highlanders side today.
Sure, becoming the most capped Highlander, playing the 128th game for the franchise, will be nice but to the All Black fullback it is about playing well and getting a result.
"We are getting really excited about the game and what an opportunity it is to go up there — they have been playing some awesome footy — and find out where we are at as a rugby team," Smith said.
"It is a bit of a one-off game. We have a bit of a break after this; the Lions game is about a week and a-half away ... but they are obviously showing how to go about it as a team."
The Crusaders have racked up 13 wins in a row while the Highlanders have won nine games on the trot, so it is a case of the irresistible force against the immovable object.
The record may get get lost in all the excitement of the game, but Smith said setting the record was something for later.
"I’ll probably look back when I’m finished with rugby and look back at all the games of rugby I’ve played for the Highlanders. When I was a young fella, Dad used to take me along and sit in the Neville St stand. I’ve always wanted to play for the Highlanders and be involved with this team.
"Looking back now, when I was a little kid going along to the games I would never have thought I would have played this many games. When I was going along, just the way they played and what they created as a team, I feel pretty privileged to be part of that.
"They were all heroes to me. I remember back in those days you could run on to Carisbrook and getting my wee autograph book and getting all the signatures.
"The big names would have too many people round them so I would just get as many people in my books as I could. I had just great memories of going to Carisbrook as a kid."
Smith said rugby was about the future and not the past.
"In rugby, in general, there is always the next game and that is the most important thing. We’ll try and execute the plans we have put in place and move on to the next game."
Smith had a family day on Thursday to celebrate his 31st birthday but his mind would be on his day job today.
He is a key for the side in a game where accuracy will be paramount.
The Highlanders can take some heart from the fact they won the last time they played at the stadium — in 2015 — and the side is running along with some confidence.
Tough games like this come down to making few mistakes and taking the chances when they come along.
Do that well and the side could come away with a win.
The Highlanders cannot catch the Crusaders as conference leaders but a win will push them further up the ladder.
Fine but cool conditions are forecast in Christchurch for a rare day game.
Super Rugby
Christchurch, today, 2.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Richard Buckman, Marty Banks, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ash Dixon (co-captain), Aki Seiuli, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Lima Sopoaga, Matt Faddes.
Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Sam Whitelock (captain), Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Alaalatoa, Quinten Strange, Jed Brown, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, Israel Dagg.
Referee: Glen Jackson
Highlanders key man
Aaron Smith: The Nugget’s form has been rising over the past few weeks and perhaps this is the game where he can show all his talents. A big game needs a top halfback and he is the one who can deliver the goods for the side and go a long way to winning the game for the visitors.
Crusaders key man
Luke Romano: The big lock has been in and out of the Crusaders front eight this year but is still a good enough player to make an impact. If he wins his ball and knocks a few people then the Crusaders’ front men will be in command, and that is a worry.