All Blacks: Hansen tells Smith: Back to basics

Aaron Smith. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Aaron Smith's frustrations at the Highlanders are affecting his game and he needs to take on less to help his team and himself.

Smith, the All Blacks' first-choice halfback last year, is struggling, something especially noticeable in his performance in the Highlanders' loss to the Blues last weekend.

Only two months before the All Blacks' first test of the year against France, 24-year-old Smith appears to be taking on too much as he tries to organise his team to their first win of the season.

Most evident is the way he allows the ball to be turned over at the breakdown because he is so busy barking orders to those outside him.

"Clearly he's getting frustrated, you can see that in his game, and he's just got to let those frustrations go and get on with it," said Hansen. "He's a young player who had success last year and he's come back and he's trying to be the ultimate professional and he's probably trying too hard.

"At the moment they're [the Highlanders] not having much luck, so I guess for him he needs to go back to what he does really, really well and not to worry too much about doing everything else."

With no wins from six matches this season, and with the table-topping Brumbies visiting Dunedin on Friday, things are not looking good for Jamie Joseph's men and Smith isn't the only struggling All Black at the franchise.

Ma'a Nonu is having another Super Rugby season to forget, although he has been struggling with injury and is clearly frustrated as evidenced by his shoulder charge on Piri Weepu. Tony Woodcock and Andrew Hore are two front-rowers conspicuous by their lack of impact, although, they have had injury problems.

Hansen, though, remains relaxed about the form of his top players. He also said he was excited about the talent coming through.

Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea didn't take long to catch his eye either during his impressive debut against the Waratahs in Wellington. Savea, 19, is a timely addition to the loose forward equation after the exits of Adam Thomson to Japan and Richie McCaw for a sabbatical.

The All Blacks will have two training camps in Mt Maunganui next month ahead of the first test against France at Eden Park on June 8. APNZ