The electrifying atmosphere and the physical rugby played at the ANZ Stadium in Suva are some of things that veteran All Blacks and Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith will never forget.

He masterminded the Highlanders in their 27-24 comeback win in the Su­per Rugby Pacific clash last Saturday.

Smith said that the match holds a special place in his heart.

“This was something I will never forget, the game backed that up. The conditions didn’t suit both teams to be able to play good rugby, but we knew they were going to have their mo­ments and they did that early,” Smith said.

“There a lot of special moments in my career but to be out there to do the Haka and the whole atmosphere, the electricity in the room and the stadi­um was the most special one for me.

“Especially for us to stick to it and stay tough and come out with the win.

“I’m proud of the boys that they re­ally stayed in the fight. It was a tough game, and we knew it was going to go the full 80 minutes and we hung in there until the end.

“Looking back this was a historical win.”

Smith added that the Drua’s physi­cality was second to none.

“The ferocity the Fijians play with is second to none and their speed.

“The two tries they got was of a few lines break, you just have to sit there and admire it because they are scor­ing tries out of nothing.

“That is pure athleticism, pure speed we just had to step back and admire the Fijians.

“The boys were hanging on and they managed to stop their forwards.”

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