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'If you want to have a crack, I'm ready to go': Brad Weber opens up on on-field bust-up with Aaron Smith

(Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

The Highlanders’ last-gasp 33-31 victory over the Chiefs two weeks ago was arguably the most drama-filled match in Super Rugby Aotearoa this season.

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Fighting back from a 24-point deficit, the Dunedin franchise clinched a remarkable comeback when midfielder Sio Tomkinson scorched over the tryline in injury time to secure the unlikeliest of victories at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Much of the Highlanders’ fightback can be attributed to the performance of star halfback Aaron Smith, who made one of the most influential displays as he scored one of his side’s tries and played a key role in a number of others throughout the clash.

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    The next generation of All Blacks hookers

    That wasn’t the only reason the 92-test All Black caught the eye, though, as the seasoned veteran found himself caught in a first half bust-up with national teammate and Chiefs halfback Brad Weber.

    While making a burst for the Chiefs’ tryline, Smith was caught with a flying fist from Weber in an attempt to bring him to the ground.

    What ensued was a fiery exchange between the two halfbacks that threatened to boil over had it not been for the intervention of the two player’s teammates.

    Speaking to RugbyPass via the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Weber has opened up on the scuffle, giving his interpretation of how the events unfolded.

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    “He was sort of falling down as he was ball-carrying, and I sort of got him with a bit of a swinging arm, but his head was nearly hitting the ground,” the five-test All Black claimed.

    “There was nowhere else for me to tackle him.

    “I knew I caught him pretty flush in the face and I could hear him mouthing off at Trasky [Kaleb Trask] on the ground.

    “I sort of stood up and I was like ‘I know it was me’, so I just stood in and was just like ‘Right, let’s go, if you want to have a crack, I’m ready to go’.

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    “He just started doing the freestyle swimming but didn’t quite connect with anything.

    “I was ready to have a go at him but we didn’t actually get to do anything.

    “Then the boys came running in, someone lifted Nuggy [Smith] out. I think Mitchell Brown came over the top and gave him a bit of something around his collar, but nothing like old school.”

    Weber revealed that he thought he had the mental edge over Smith at the time of the clash, but later realised the pair’s encounter may have provided motivation for the latter’s standout showing.

    “At the time I was glad because I was like ‘Sweet, I’m in Nuggy’s head, he might overthink about this too much’, but [it] probably ended up firing him up even more, then he come home strong later in the game and obviously did what he did.

    “So, probably wasn’t a great thing for me, but we had a good laugh about it after the game anyway, so we’re all good.”

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    RedWarrior 4 minutes ago
    Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

    The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

    I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

    We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

    Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

    Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

    But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

    Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

    Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

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