“He is as close to the per fect passer of a ball as the sport has seen”
IF YOU want to understand the influence of Aaron Smith on much of this rugby century, then rewind to Japan’s epic day at Brighton five years ago. The Springboks were run off their feet. The man who orchestrated the game’s staggering tempo was little Fumiaki Tanaka.
Tanaka learnt his trade in Dunedin. The understudy to Smith. Tanaka was back-up when the Highlanders won their one and only Super Rugby title. Always there to come off the bench… when Smith had run himself into the ground and the opposition ragged.
Japan would not have beaten South Africa without the immense influence of the 5ft 7in All Blacks scrum-half.
The greats leave
