Rugby: Former greats rate Smith as ABs best

Aaron Smith looks on during the New Zealand All Blacks Captain's Run at Eden Park on June 6, 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Former greats rate nippy No9 Smith as among best to wear black

Accounts suggest the All Blacks first halfback, Henry Kiernan, was a snappy little player - certainly small at 65kg - who distinguished himself in his solitary test in 1903 as he displayed his flourishing moustache and white boots against the Wallabies.

Through the years halfback has remained a pivotal position in the All Blacks style with Chris Laidlaw, Sid Going, Dave Loveridge, Graeme Bachop and Justin Marshall, a clutch of greats in the past 50 years.

In recent seasons, Aaron Smith has moved into that list and now with 38 tests and buckets more experience in his kitbag, his work is pushing him through that celebrated company.

There is accord from the former greats that, by some margin, Smith is the current best in black, probably the best halfback in the modern world and well in the frame for best in All Black history.

Laidlaw marvels at the relentless impact from the Highlanders and All Black scrumhalf.

"I would venture the thought he is the best we have ever had because of the control he delivers. He seems to have an ice-cool demeanour, he is a good communicator and alongside Brad Weber, he has the fastest pass to either side.

"Sometimes his kicking can go off target but he soon gets that back on track and that is a sign of someone who is dialled into everything.

"His passing with both hands is immaculate and he knows when to fire and when to give a softer delivery. When he chooses to run, his lines are magnificent."

Laidlaw ranks Smith alongside Kieran Read as the most critical players for the All Blacks as they head into the opening phases of their planning for the defence of their World Cup title.

An All Black halfback who played 20 tests from 1963-70, Laidlaw worries about the backup behind Smith and the effect on the side if he is unavailable.

Herald columnist and 81 test campaigner for a decade from 1995, Marshall admires Smith's technical excellence and the way he has changed his running lines to get to the breakdown.

"He's there before a lot of the loose forwards and, because of that, he's not having to deal with fringe players being disruptive.

"It also means the players who are receiving the ball from the next phase aren't waiting for him. They can see him and they're on the move the whole time, instead of going from a standing start."

If the All Blacks had the right conditions to execute strongly, rivals could not live with the pace they played. Smith's game raised the levels on that template and it helped his running game.

"Because he's so quick to the breakdown, defenders aren't getting into a good position to deal with him when he decides to run. So now we're seeing his running game becoming a real threat in the All Blacks' attacking arsenal"

In the late 1970s to mid-80s, Loveridge was the man driving his forwards and showing his astute range of pass, kick, run decisions.

"Skills are one thing but the key when you have played a bit, is when to use them," he said.

"Like everything is sport, timing is the key and Smith has learned that on top of all the wonderful skills he has. He is way ahead of any others in this country.

"Every part of his game has improved and now we are getting to see him work out when to use those skills, especially in tests, and he is playing superbly.

"Having him there is a threat to any opposition, they are never sure what he is going to do.

"The key is when to execute those skills and Smith's understanding is like a good five-eighths summing up situations. He is also a great communicator and as time has gone by, his confidence to act with authority, has grown," the former ABs and Taranaki great said.

Comparing players across eras was tough because laws and patterns of play changed so much.

However, there was no doubt about the All Blacks fortune to have Smith as a modern great.