All Blacks: Smith ready for final game with team

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith talks to coach Graham Henry during a training session. Photo / Brett Phibbs

After more than 100 tests with the All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith is ready to end his involvement with the side after Sunday's Rugby World Cup final against.

Smith, who begins a new role with the Chiefs next season, told a press conference today that he's comfortable with his departure from the All Blacks at the conclusion of the World Cup.

"I think it sunk in a while ago, that whatever happened this was my last week. It was a special feeling in the box with about five minutes to go (in Sunday's semi-final against Australia), knowing that it was going to go another week.

"You get an opportunity to be in a final, that is all you want. One team is going to come away as World Cup winners on Sunday and you just want that opportunity."

Smith says he would not trade his time in the All Blacks for anything. However his decision to step down has "felt right for a while".

"I'll get my fix elsewhere," he said.

Smith has been an assistant under Graham Henry since 2004 after coaching the side for 17 tests from 2000 until the end of the 2001 season.

Along with Henry and fellow assistant coach Steve Hansen the trio have steered the All Blacks to three Grand Slam titles, a series sweep of the British and Irish Lions and five Tri-Nations titles. The only accolade that alludes them is the Rugby World Cup which the side will contest for on Sunday night at Eden Park.

All Black and Chiefs utility back Richard Kahui says Smith has been "massive" in his career. He says he puts a lot of emphasis on basic skills like looking up while running, passing and kicking.

All Black first five-eighth Aaron Cruden, who like Smith joins the Chiefs next season after signing from the Hurricanes, also paid tribute to the Smith saying he gave him the confidence to produce his semifinal performance against Australia.

He said he has added new parts to his game on Smith's advice.

Smith heads to the Chiefs with some success in Super Rugby after coaching the Crusaders to two Super 12 titles in 1998 and 1999 before taking on the All Blacks heading coaching role following the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

- HERALD ONLINE