Smith enjoying Brumbies return
Smith re-joined the Brumbies for the Super Rugby pre-season after spending the previous year overseas with Munster in Ireland and then Montpellier in France.
Prior to his stint overseas, Smith played 50 Super Rugby games for the Brumbies from 2010-2014, his versatility and solid running lines making him a big asset to the backline.
The 190cm centre made an appearance off the bench for the Brumbies on Friday during their 52-10 victory over the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium.
Smith said he enjoyed being back in Brumbies colours.
"It was good to be back out there," Smith told Brumbies.com.au.
"The Canberra crowd was great. It was a tough game for us, the start was very tough. I think defensively we were very good, we put a lot of pressure on them and that’s where we won the game."
The game was Smith's first in Brumbies colours since the 2014 Super Rugby semifinal against the Waratahs, the Brumbies opponents this week.
The Waratahs are coming off of a comfortable 30-10 victory against the Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The Tahs took a comfortable first half lead against their interstate rivals and never looked back.
Smith said the clash against the Tahs would be a big test.
"It's always a really tough game for us," Smith said.
"They're a very physical team, they've got game breakers all over the park so it's going to be a very tough game and one we're going to be up for."
The Waratahs and Brumbies have had a heated rivalry over the years, with the NSW side holding a 16-9 advantage in head-to-head clashes.
Smith said there was always a special atmosphere when the Brumbies played the Tahs.
"It's always a high intensity game," Smith said.
"We're pretty similar in the styles we play, we're both very physical in defence and our game plans are very attacking.
"I think both teams will try and throw the ball around and I think defensive pressure will be key again this week."
Meanwhile, the Brumbies have today re-signed one of Australia's top young talents with prop Allan Alaalatoa recommitting to the team until at least the end of 2019.
The new deal will keep the 22-year old with the side he made his Super Rugby debut for in the 2014 semifinal thriller against the Chiefs at GIO Stadium.
It will also see the junior Australian representative stay with the Brumbies until at least the next Rugby World Cup.
"I made my debut here a few years ago and I’m really happy to have re-signed for another three years," said Alaalatoa.
"This team means a lot to me and I'm looking forward to the next three years with the Brumbies."
Alaalatoa said the competition for spots in the Brumbies front row would help him raise his game over the coming years.
"I think with the talented group of players we have at the moment we're only going push each other to become the best we could be."
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham said he was very pleased Alaalatoa has recommitted to the team.
"Allan is a fantastic young player who has been with the club for two years now and has developed his game to a world-class standard," Larkham said.
"He has huge potential, and will play a key role in our push for the Super Rugby title over the coming years."
Alaalatoa was one of Australia's standout players at the 2014 Junior World Cup in New Zealand before making his Super Rugby debut.
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