All Blacks great Aaron Smith had a fairytale send-off in his final home game for the Otago Highlanders Friday with a last-gasp 35-30 win over the Queensland Reds.
Victory in the penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific not only ensured the 34-year-old departed Dunedin on a winning note but kept the New Zealand side in the hunt for a quarter-final place.
Mercurial scrum-half Smith is bound for Japan and Toyota Verblitz after the World Cup in France, with his 184th appearance for the Highlanders his last on home turf. "It's all I've known in my adult life. I've been here since I was 21, and now I'm 34. Where did that go? I've just had a hell of a ride," he told New Zealand media ahead of the match.
The Reds raced to a 14-0 lead and stretched it to 21-14 at the break thanks to a try from Suliasi Vunivalu just before the hooter.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Smith gets emotional send-offAaron Smith had a fairytale send-off in his final home game for the Highlanders on Friday with a last-gasp Super Rugby win over the Queensland Reds.
Read more »
OFFICIAL: Iniesta makes emotional career announcement | KickOff'I have to tell you the truth, I don't know...' Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta was in tears as he announced a new decision regarding his career after 'things haven't gone as he wanted them to' this season. 👀 More here! ▶️
Read more »
Thankful Mathoho pens emotional farewell to Chiefs | KickOffDefender Eric Mathoho has penned an emotional farewell to Kazier Chiefs and club supporters following the announcement of his departure after 11 years at the club. Read more here ▶️
Read more »
Wayne Smith takes mentoring role with All Blacks, Black FernsWomen's World Cup-winning coach Wayne Smith was appointed as 'mentor' to both the All Blacks and Black Ferns.
Read more »