In a twist, he was one of the few All Blacks who didn't fall ill to a virus at this time last year.
Charles Piutau has retained his place on the other wing after his exploits in Paris where he sparked the All Blacks into action after halftime when scoring a try and setting up the other for No8 Kieran Read.
"I remember well my first All Blacks training, just being around the guy,'' Smith said.
"He's the epitome of the All Blacks and the exact role model you want. To play with him week in and week out, whether he's injured or not, he's an instrumental part [of the team].
"The way he carries himself is awesome... I'm sure all of us will be putting our best foot forward to get the win for him.
"The first thing is he wants me to express myself. He says 'don't make it a burdon'. He's always about just play what you see, 'that's the game that got you here'. I always remember that from my debut... he gives you that confidence to do that.''
