Conrad Smith racked up his 50th cap against Japan
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Former All Blacks centre Tana Umaga hails Conrad Smith following his 50th cap for New Zealand in the New Zealand Herald.
"Recognition of Conrad Smith's milestone match for the All Blacks last night would have slipped away if Richie McCaw had been fit for his 100th test.
"Instead, the rash of injuries gave us a chance to focus on the contribution Smith has made to the All Blacks since he played the first of his 50 tests against Italy at the Stadio Flaminio in 2004. Fittingly, Smith scored the All Blacks' first try last night.
"I played with and against him in Wellington. Maybe the first time was in club rugby when his Old Boys University side played our Petone team and he put one over me and the ref. We were on defence and I tackled him in front of our posts and he did not release the ball. Somehow he won the penalty and they kicked the goal to win the match."
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