All Black star Aaron Smith happy to be on the same team as PSdT for a change

All Black star Aaron Smith happy to be on the same team as PSdT for a change

Former All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith admits it's great to have Springbok hardman Pieter-Steph du Toit as a teammate for a change.

The 35-year-old Smith signed a deal with Japanese outfit Toyota Verblitz and joined the club following their Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

Du Toit won the Man of the Match award in the showpiece event, making 28 tackles in a stunning performance as he constantly sent New Zealanders into reverse.

Coincidently, the Springbok has played for Toyota for the past couple of years, which means that they are now on the same side in the Japan Rugby League One.

It is something Smith is relishing having faced the back-rower on several occasions during his incredible career in New Zealand.

The scrumhalf opened up during a question-and-answer session on X, with one supporter asking him which South African he was closest to.

"I have been enjoying getting to know PSD as my teammate. Plus, it's nice to not be getting smashed by him," Smith responded.

Smith was also queried about another Springbok, fellow scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, after they went head-to-head just before Christmas.

A clip of them acknowledging each other during the match between Toyota and Yokohama Canon Eagles went viral and the 35-year-old discussed their friendship.

"A lot of good chat during the game and after. We are good friends, played against him plenty of times, and always enjoy chatting after the games. The best part of rugby," he wrote.

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