Rugby: Highlanders' Aaron Smith in the form of his life

Aaron Smith is one of the greats. Photo / Getty Images

As a Dunedin ratepayer Aaron Smith should perhaps get a discount on the part that contributes to the upkeep of Forsyth Barr Stadium.

For if anyone can make the venue a success, it is him.

The 26-year-old has a game that sits ideally in the stadium. The Highlanders play a quick, up-tempo game and so do the All Blacks.

Smith is the one of the most vital players in All Black rugby today.

His energy, speed of pass, ability to spot the break, good kicking game, resolute defence - they all come together to create a player who is untouchable at a national, if not international, level.

He is in the form of his life.

It is not too much of a stretch to say if Smith was not playing for the Highlanders on Saturday night, they might have lost. He created the two tries they scored. He made some key tackles. He kicked with accuracy from the base of the ruck.

After the game, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said Smith had grown a lot since he first saw him playing at Feilding High School.

"He is an absolute handful. He's got a great kicking game and he is in great form. It's pretty exciting for the All Blacks heading into the World Cup to have your nine in such good form."

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph was perhaps not as full of praise for Smith, saying the front eight had given him the platform to perform.

That is true, but he made the most of his platform and revelled in it.

Probably Smith's biggest asset is his speed. He can run fast, he can pass quickly and accurately, and he gets across to make key tackles.

On fast, hard grounds - like at the covered stadium and most grounds these days - it is all about quickness of foot and mind and Smith has that in spades.

The man himself talked about playing the game at such an intensity he would be physically and mentally wrecked at the end of 80 minutes.

He achieved that, and more, on Saturday night.

So where does Smith now sit in the rankings of All Black halfbacks?

Since he first played for the All Blacks in 2012, he has started in 36 of 42 tests. In these days of rest and rotation, that is an impressive record.

If Smith maintains this form for the next three or four years, he will clearly be the best halfback this country has produced. At the moment, he shares the top table with the likes of Sid Going, Chris Laidlaw, David Loveridge and Justin Marshall.

And the good news for Highlanders fans is Smith has just signed for an extra year with the Highlanders until 2017.