Aaron Smith Photo: World Rugby/Michael Steel
Aaron Smith, New Zealand's scrum-half, was inspired by the devastating defeat to England in the Championship semi-final world over the past four years.
Smith was exceptional as the All Blacks demolished Argentina 44-6 on Friday night, scoring a crucial solo try shortly after the break. and is now in the final week of his legendary Test career, having agreed a move to Toyota Verblitz in Japan.
Having backed up a superb quarter-final win over Ireland to reach the decider, New Zealand have already played one game better than in 2019, when England thrashed them 19-7.
Smith explained that that brutal night in Yokohama played a major role in encouraging him to add a second World Cup crown to the one he helped win in 2015.
Aaron Smith (centre) with teammates after scoring in the All Blacks' semi-final victory over Argentina. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/Miguel Medina
“It's still sinking,” he said. “Four years, man. I remember this feeling four years ago; disappointed, devastated, feeling like he had let the country down. To be in this position and compete for the World Cup is something special. We have taken another step in this tournament and are in the big dance. This is so energizing and exciting for our team.
“I don't think you ever get over it, to be honest,” Smith added of New Zealand's semi-final exit. “It will stay with you forever. So no, I didn't handle it and it was a good driver for me. I'm an emotional person, I don't hide my heart and I use things like this to motivate myself.
“There is no way I would be here at 34 years old if I didn’t have a burning desire to achieve more and become a better player. This is what you play sports for, to discover difficult opportunities.
“When I left Japan in 2019, I had a burning desire. If I could be disciplined, set goals and stay focused, I could try to get to another World Cup. The last two steps we've taken have given us a chance to reach the finals, which is great.”
Ian Foster's set-up spent the entire week re-tuning the all-round game, which was enough to oust Ireland 28-24. On Saturday at the Stade de France, Smith will make his 125th and final appearance for the All Blacks.
“This is my last week; last dance,” he said. “I'm grateful that this is a real week that means so much. It was surreal, the whole tournament, the whole year was dedicated to this game. To date, I have no regrets. I really want to have a really good week and I'm looking forward to competing for the Cup here next week.
“Knowing that this is my last week, the positive side is that I can control how I go out. . I wanted to make sure that this year I didn't regret the way I played, the way I prepared and the way I gave myself and the team everything I could. I'm just lucky that the coaches and the guys trust me to play.”
Smith won't be the only New Zealand veteran to say goodbye. Sam Whitelock and Dane Coles are also set to retire, while Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga are also heading to Japan. Looking back on 2015, Smith reflected on how Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and others retired from the All Blacks.
“I remember that moment very well,” Smith said of World Cup success at Twickenham eight years ago. “They had a photo together, of this group. I was just a young punk thinking, “This is cool.” I took a photo of them because I still idolized them. They were my teammates, but I knew this was a special group. This is what you dream about, playing these games.”
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