Arguably the All Blacks\u2019 greatest-ever scrum-half, Aaron Smith, has heaped praise on the current incumbent Cam Roigard after an impressive couple of years.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old has firmly established himself as the first choice New Zealand nine and is now regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position.<\/p>\n
Roigard<\/a> was once again in fine form as the All Blacks<\/a> opened the Greatest Rivalry Test series with a 33-16 victory over the Springboks<\/a>.<\/p>\n It may not have been his most spectacular display but, as Smith explained, there are plenty of ways the Hurricanes man manages to impact a game.<\/p>\n Roigard has \u2018taken it to the next level\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cMan, just wow. Seriously, Jesus, that boy\u2019s got game. It\u2019s so awesome to see him take it to the next level this year, the level where he\u2019s like, \u2018I\u2019m the guy now\u2019. What he did at Super Rugby and then the first few Tests this year,\u201d he told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cHis kicking gets us out of so much trouble. He did one kick in the first Test where the scrum\u2019s getting buckled, Ardie throws it to Quinn, who hits it up, and he kicks it out to 45 from our five-metre line.<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s Ellis Park but he does that regularly and that is such a breath of fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n Roigard also has a fine passing game and a superb rugby brain but it is his speed around the fringes which is making Smith \u201cjealous\u201d of his talents.<\/p>\n \u201cI love his sniper ability, I\u2019m jealous. I\u2019m still chipping away but, wow, if there is half a hole, it\u2019s a big hole for him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like he\u2019s infectious to play with, moves the ball, kicks well. He\u2019s smart and without him we\u2019re in a bit of trouble.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen he plays, we\u2019re in good hands. What a player and I have nothing but love for the guy.\u201d<\/p>\n