TONY SMITH

OPINION: Make no mistake Wayne Smith is no misty-eyed sentimentalist.

The ex-All Black admits some of the best years of his life were spent in the Canterbury No 10 jersey when he guided Grizz Wyllie's great team to Ranfurly Shield glory.

He also treasures his time as head coach of the Crusaders, who he steered to Super 12 titles in 1998 and 1999.

But that was then this is now. Smith has spent the past week plotting how to beat his old team. He's the Minister of Defence in the Chiefs' coaching Cabinet and winning is the paramount part of his portfolio.

But as he takes his seat at Napier's McLean Park tonight he may sneak a peek at three former charges in the Crusaders' coaching box and feel a justifiable surge of pride.

When Smith became Crusaders coach in 1997 a rugby scribe asked him "what do you think of your players?"

"I remember saying, `I will know in 20 years'," Smith recalled this week.

Fifteen years on, he likes the cut of their jib.

Smith can reflect on his role in shaping the careers of "foundation Crusaders" Todd Blackadder, Daryl Gibson and Dave Hewett, the prop he promoted in 1999 the troika coaching the Crusaders in Napier tonight.

Continued here:
Emotion won't get in Wayne Smith's way