Smith laments ‘brutal’ Aotearoa competition as injuries take toll

All Blacks and Highlanders scrumhalf Aaron Smith believes the ‘intensity’ of Super Rugby Aotearoa is to blame for the high injury toll among the five New Zealand franchise squads.

Hat-trick hero Barrett tears through Highlanders

Jordie Barrett handed the Hurricanes their first win of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season, scoring all the points in a 30-19 demolition of the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

Watch: How Smith got captain’s referral spot on

Take a look at this in-depth, visual analysis of Highlanders skipper Aaron Smith’s successful captain’s referral, a new law variation introduced in Super Rugby Aotearoa this season.

Watch: Emotional Smith dissects All Blacks’ loss

Scrumhalf Aaron Smith breaks down the All Blacks’ shock 25-15 defeat to Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.

Highlights: Highlanders vs Hurricanes

The Highlanders thumped the Hurricanes in the final match of Super Rugby Aotearoa on Saturday, as co-captains Aaron Smith and Ash Dixon celebrated big milestones.

Watch: Controversial non-try (Highlanders vs Blues)

While it did not affect the outcome of the match, referee Mike Fraser’s decision to disallow Dalton Papalii’s try following witty gamesmanship from Aaron Smith in the buildup came under scrutiny.

Hurricanes hold off Highlanders

Kobus van Wyk was on the scoreboard again as the Hurricanes beat the Highlanders 17-11 in their Super Rugby Aotearoa showdown in Wellington on Sunday.

Watch: Try of the Week – Super Rugby Aotearoa (Round 4)

Following an instinctive break upfield off the back of a lineout from Aaron Smith, Highlanders wing Ngane Punivai dived over in the corner to score the Try of the Week in round four of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Highlanders start Smith against Sharks

All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith will start for the Highlanders in their opening Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Sharks in Dunedin on Friday.

Smith reveals haka secrets

Veteran scrumhalf Aaron Smith has shed light on how the All Blacks decide which haka they will perform prior to a Test match.