There's no finer player in the world than....

Conrad Smith.

Yes, folks that's right. Conrad Smith is the finest player in the world. Probably the most consistent too. He's the glue that holds the AB's backline together and never gets fazed or appears under pressure. He's a go to guy on attack and defence and has one of the smartest rugby brains around.

But what really sets him apart is how he has taken to the captaincy of a team which was written off by everyone after last season. A team which lost no less than 6 All Blacks last season but has been dragged kicking and screaming into a new era of running rugby supplemented with a great team ethic and culture and at the forefront of the revival is Conrad Smith.

Whatever happens over the weekend, all I know is that when I balance my hopes and expectations from the start of the season to where we are now, I am in dreamland but it is all down to the week in/week out inspirational play of our captain Conrad.

Just to show how committed he is to the Hurricanes, he was supposed to be rested for the first two games of the season as he was nowhere near match fit due to a mandatory break handed down by NZRFU after the WC. But Conrad played anyway. What a leader, what an example to set for the young kids in his team. What a player.

chewed_mintie wrote:Conrad Smith.

Yes, folks that's right. Conrad Smith is the finest player in the world. Probably the most consistent too. He's the glue that holds the AB's backline together and never gets fazed or appears under pressure. He's a go to guy on attack and defence and has one of the smartest rugby brains around.

But what really sets him apart is how he has taken to the captaincy of a team which was written off by everyone after last season. A team which lost no less than 6 All Blacks last season but has been dragged kicking and screaming into a new era of running rugby supplemented with a great team ethic and culture and at the forefront of the revival is Conrad Smith.

Whatever happens over the weekend, all I know is that when I balance my hopes and expectations from the start of the season to where we are now, I am in dreamland but it is all down to the week in/week out inspirational play of our captain Conrad.

Just to show how committed he is to the Hurricanes, he was supposed to be rested for the first two games of the season as he was nowhere near match fit due to a mandatory break handed down by NZRFU after the WC. But Conrad played anyway. What a leader, what an example to set for the young kids in his team. What a player.

Can't argue with that, mintie - as the commentators said during the match today, he simply never puts a foot wrong

Mods pls move to Intl!

ASBO - the irony of that comment was that as soon as it was said, he threw a howler (in his books at least) to Tim Bateman who subsequently knocked on!

chewed_mintie wrote:ASBO - the irony of that comment was that as soon as it was said, he threw a howler (in his books at least) to Tim Bateman who subsequently knocked on!

Aye, properly jinxed him. He does seem to make everyone around him look good tho (99.9% of the time) - I wonder how much of Savea's development can be laid at the door of CS?

chewed_mintie wrote:Mods pls move to Intl!

I think this post may be a rarity on these boards in that not many will dis-agree with it.

Looking at him play against Freuan really was men against (big) boys stuff. So smart, knows just when to inject power and pace and target weak shoulders/links. Look at his pass to Gear in the 3rd test. Man wish his hammy was right in 07...

He really is just phenomenal. He isn't the biggest guy in the world, he isn't the fastest, he isn't the most agile, but he is just a natural footballer. He is just one step ahead of everyone else, and his support play is unmatched. He is so consistent and is just pure class. He has that rugby brain that sets him apart from everyone else.

I put him into the same sort of category as Juan Smith, McCaw etc. They are just so consistent and a step ahead of the rest.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:He really is just phenomenal. He isn't the biggest guy in the world, he isn't the fastest, he isn't the most agile, but he is just a natural footballer. He is just one step ahead of everyone else, and his support play is unmatched. He is so consistent and is just pure class. He has that rugby brain that sets him apart from everyone else.

I put him into the same sort of category as Juan Smith, McCaw etc. They are just so consistent and a step ahead of the rest.

It's so long since we've since Juan Smith properly, such a shame. Would add Carter to that list too, Rory

Kieran Read is falling into that category as well.

chewed_mintie wrote:Conrad Smith.

Yes, folks that's right. Conrad Smith is the finest player in the world. Probably the most consistent too. He's the glue that holds the AB's backline together and never gets fazed or appears under pressure. He's a go to guy on attack and defence and has one of the smartest rugby brains around.

But what really sets him apart is how he has taken to the captaincy of a team which was written off by everyone after last season. A team which lost no less than 6 All Blacks last season but has been dragged kicking and screaming into a new era of running rugby supplemented with a great team ethic and culture and at the forefront of the revival is Conrad Smith.

Whatever happens over the weekend, all I know is that when I balance my hopes and expectations from the start of the season to where we are now, I am in dreamland but it is all down to the week in/week out inspirational play of our captain Conrad.

Just to show how committed he is to the Hurricanes, he was supposed to be rested for the first two games of the season as he was nowhere near match fit due to a mandatory break handed down by NZRFU after the WC. But Conrad played anyway. What a leader, what an example to set for the young kids in his team. What a player.

Phew! What a nice surprise that this isn't the usual drivvle about Shane Williams, Billy Twelvetrees or Jonny Sexton!

Totally agree with you, he is an immense player, a real idol of mine as a centre myself. Really great to see that nous and intelligence still has a place in the game, rather then just size and power. Certainly the best in a generation in world rugby, although don't make me choose between him and BOD!

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:He really is just phenomenal. He isn't the biggest guy in the world, he isn't the fastest, he isn't the most agile, but he is just a natural footballer. He is just one step ahead of everyone else, and his support play is unmatched. He is so consistent and is just pure class. He has that rugby brain that sets him apart from everyone else.

I put him into the same sort of category as Juan Smith, McCaw etc. They are just so consistent and a step ahead of the rest.

It's so long since we've since Juan Smith properly, such a shame. Would add Carter to that list too, Rory

Yeah definitely, I've left out a few obvious ones.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Kieran Read is falling into that category as well.

Yup, another player that seems to instinctively know what to do

A lot of the footballers that grab the headlines are those that go on instinct, whose skills are out of the ordinary and more conspicuous. But instinct backed up by intelligence is such a fantastic combination. We're seeing that in combos like Genia/Cooper, Smith/Carter, SBW/Smith. Totally agree with you Bathite about intelligence still having a place in the game. NZ is really quite lucky when you have him, Jane, DC, McCaw and Read.

His pace reminds me of the pace of McGrath's bowling in later years. Not spectacular, but when it comes to putting the foot down/bowling a quicker one, they both can do you completely for pace. Same for BOD.

He's ok, but he's no Jamie Roberts.

I know at least two club coaches that show the schoolboy teams videos of (amongst others) Smith and Nonu as examples of how to best play heads-up rugby, make good choices and properly understand defensive segments of the field and how your running lines can break up the other side's defensive sequences.

Smith is special in the sense that he has a complete skillset for his position, although I still think that Carter is more naturally gifted.

Man, seems a bit churlish to compare one amazing thing to another amazing thing.

I wouldn't disagree, finest centre in the world at the moment and would be a deserving IRB player of the year.

anotherworldofpain wrote:He's ok, but he's no Jamie Roberts.

Genius

To be honest I would also rating him behind Mike Tindall, on a league of crooked nose.

Brilliant stuff, this is easing my Friday afternoon towards drink o'clock no end

We do take him for granted thats for sure . We dont have another anywhere near him and he seems to be completely injury free these days...touch wood.

I'm glad this has struck a chord with so many!

Taylorman - I echo your thoughts...he ain't getting any younger

Rory_Gallagher wrote:He really is just phenomenal. He isn't the biggest guy in the world, he isn't the fastest, he isn't the most agile, but he is just a natural footballer. He is just one step ahead of everyone else, and his support play is unmatched..............

Ah, then. One doesn't need to be a gym rat to be a great player. Many peoples and coaches should take heed - don't be seduced by tonnes of weights and 20m, 40m, 50m or 100m times.

Smith is i believe consistently at the top of the AB fitness runs... though all pale behind McCaw who is the perennial eveready battery.

doctor_grey wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:He really is just phenomenal. He isn't the biggest guy in the world, he isn't the fastest, he isn't the most agile, but he is just a natural footballer. He is just one step ahead of everyone else, and his support play is unmatched..............

Ah, then. One doesn't need to be a gym rat to be a great player. Many peoples and coaches should take heed - don't be seduced by tonnes of weights and 20m, 40m, 50m or 100m times.

When you look at some of the best players, that really is true though. Like the guys I listed earlier. Juan Smith is not the biggest 6 in the world (he is tall at 1.96m but at 107kg there are much bigger 6s) nor the fastest, but he is just such a fantastic player. In fact his physique is pretty similar to Tom Croft. McCaw also isn't the biggest or fastest guy in the world (in fact he is pretty slow now) yet he again he is a step ahead of the rest. In fact if you look at this back row:

6) Smith
7) McCaw
8) Read

None of those guys are huge physical specimens, but they would be the best back row in the world by a fair margin. The reason is they are all complete natural footballers, and they don't need to be the fastest or strongest to be the best.

I think that's a big point, mate. I see a lot of coaches evaluating players, especially at age group levels, by speed or strength, rather than looking at skills first. Its kind of a mini-rage button for me. People who should know better frequesntly don't.

I couldn't agree more with this post. I am not sure why he has been an unsung All Blacks for so long (must be the result of being in a team with Carter, McCaw, Umaga, SBW). Defnitely the SH O'Driscoll. Although Smith has now overtaken him in every aspect.

I don't think anyone will be getting a better midfield than Carter, Nonu/SBW, Smith; not to mention the big guys out wide all behind that forward pack. It is hard to imagine NZ losing a game. Here's to hoping they do in November though...

You know the scary thing Morgan? All this time Carter has been outside an All Black 9 with a crap pass. Think of the extra time with Aaron Smith now chucking bullets at them.

England usually beat us once in 10 years. That time's just about up (would love to prolong that though).

Aaron Smith is very good chilly, Kerr-Barlow aswell. Like I said, it's just hard to imagine you guys losing a game with all these players and coaches available at New Zealands disposal. And I was actually hoping Wales would be the team to beat you in November . God help V2 if it is England though...

Did we all have this same opinion about Conrad Smith during the recent world cup? I recall thinking then that he was treading water and nearing retirement

dallym wrote:Did we all have this same opinion about Conrad Smith during the recent world cup? I recall thinking then that he was treading water and nearing retirement

Ayy?
Retirement? Cant recall a whisper...ever about smith retiring. I think we just take smith way too much for granted. Centre is a position that isnt mastered quickly. It takes years to become a truly classy centre at the top because of the need to organise the midfield defences against such a wide range of offences across the globe. Smith knows them all...thoroughly. Hes run defences against oz, SA, England, France, Ireland etc on many occasions and knows their subtle variations. You just cant buy that sort of experience.

Thats where I think a lot of sides fall down. Not having a truly instinctive centre. SA will first realise how much they miss Fourie during the RC. As good as he is jdv doesnt have fouries wider instincts at centre and smith will know this and will look to expose him on attack.

Perhaps people don`t realise that traditionally in theNZ set up 10 and 12 were until the Nonu/SBW era interchangable also the same skill set at 15.13 has always been THE specialst position in the NZ backline midfield the defensive co -ordinator.Playing non specialists in at least two RWCs could well have attributed to an early exit.Certainly in 2003 RWC when Stirling Mortlock showed the way,Conrad Smith is a player who uses his head.He is in the right place at the right time on attack or defence,never misses a tackle.Also he isn`t afraid to clean out rucks when required.AWOP Jamie who?Conrad is the King and has been for years.Rickie Fluety was better than Roberts back in 2009 but for injuries he would have proved it.Umaga,Nonu,and Conrad were ahead of him at the Hurricanes hence his move to UK.

A natural footballer who knows how to draw and pass the ball (JD i'm looking at you in particular), something Wales could use in the backline...

In the friday NZHerald, Conrad was asked whether he thought about jumping ship after last years poor showing by the Hurricanes, he responded....

"Nah, not at all, never for a second, I've never changed any club at any stage and I love loyalty; that's part of the reason I play footy.

"People are motivated by different things but, for me, playing with teams and building up camaraderie is all part of what drives me. That's why, when I saw [last year's clear-out] happening, I only thought, 'How can I make it better?' and, 'How can I turn things around here?'

I don't support the canes, but this attitude warms the cockles of my heart, good on ya mate.

Interesting article - Conrad Smith is a fantastic player and the comparison made to his namesake Juan is a good one.

They may not 'look much' compared to some modern players and may not be 'freaks' in terms of pace, power, talent etc. but in terms of professionalism and actual rugby ability (something of a lost art in this day and age) they are second to none.

Having said that, in terms of fitness, Conrad Smith could be deemed freakish - a regular 'winner' of the All Blacks legendary 'beep test'.

EBOP wrote:In the friday NZHerald, Conrad was asked whether he thought about jumping ship after last years poor showing by the Hurricanes, he responded....

"Nah, not at all, never for a second, I've never changed any club at any stage and I love loyalty; that's part of the reason I play footy.

"People are motivated by different things but, for me, playing with teams and building up camaraderie is all part of what drives me. That's why, when I saw [last year's clear-out] happening, I only thought, 'How can I make it better?' and, 'How can I turn things around here?'

I don't support the canes, but this attitude warms the cockles of my heart, good on ya mate.

Well he's got a law degree, so i'm guessing he's gonna start his career after rugby either in Wellington or Auckland, and he would never go to the Blues!

Before the Ireland series I make a post that BOD get a lot of plaudits but Conrad smith much better and I get accuse of being a WUM!

"A natural footballer who knows how to draw and pass the ball (JD i'm looking at you in particular), something Wales could use"
 
JD "Scott Gibbs with hands" can't pass a ball. To true

Davies should play at 12 for Wales. I don't think he is comparable with Smith (in terms of play style; obviously Smith is a class above pretty much every other centre excluding Fourie) but I also don't think he is playing in his best position. I hope he gets to play 12 for the Lions. Possibly with BOD outside him. Davies is one of the better players I've seen this year in rugby.

There is no finer player in the world than..........













ME.

Conrad to be out for six weeks and miss first phase of 4N, bugger. Retinal detachment in left eye.

http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7348302/Conrad-Smith-to-miss-start-of-Rugby-Championship

Not good, but the positive side of it he will get some rest. He has had a busy season.

Hmmm... i wonder who will take his spot. Robbie Fruen?

Nonu to go in at 12 and Tamati Ellison to play at 13 is my bet. Big blow to have our backline general but at least it's not a knee injury or something like that. And at least Shag has been given 6 weeks notice to make sure he can remedy the problem.

Bring fruen into the squad Kia, or no need?

I'd be wary of introducing Fruean with his defensive frailties. Australia are a team that can punish you for errors and his attacking strength for me doesn't outweight the risk he presents on defence. Would like to see Fruean introduced against Argentina or the AIs.

Maybe Carter to 12, Cruden to 10 and Nonu to 13?

It's an option sure gowales but one I wouldn't want to see. Carter and Cruden are specialist 10s. You want your playmakers like Carter and Cruden playing where they do the most damage. Having them both on the field is appealing but Carter doesn't add anything at 12 even though he does have experience playing there. No coincidence Carter's best games in a Saders shirt was at 10 not 12. Nonu and Ellison might well interchange.

We'd definitely lose physicality also which would affect our ability to get across the gainline.