Quade Cooper: 'There will be a statue of the phenomenal Aaron Smith'

Australia’s Quade Cooper has stated that New Zealand legend Aaron Smith “might be the best half-back to play” the sport ahead of Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash.

Both players begin this weekend’s match on the bench, which means they will likely come up against each other in the second half.

It will be an emotional occasion for Smith, who is likely playing his last ever match at his home ground in Dunedin.

Following the Rugby World Cup, the 34-year-old will leave New Zealand shores having signed what has been described as a “long-term deal” in Japan, although the exact length was not disclosed.

That means he has effectively ended his All Blacks career and may never return to Dunedin to play for the Highlanders.

“Phenomenal player, might be the best half-back to play,” Cooper said of Smith prior to Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup match.

“So I’m sure there will be a statue of him. It won’t be a very big statue. He’s a little man. But no, he’s a great, great dude.

“I love our interactions and every time we’ve played against each other, he’s the ultimate competitor but such a smart, switched on footballer.

“A student of the game, you hear him talk about the game, he’s one of the most knowledgeable rugby players to have played.

“For us, we want to spoil that party as well. But at the same time, we have the ultimate respect for him as a player and what he’s done for New Zealand.”

The second Bledisloe Cup game will take place under the Dunedin roof, which means that it will be perfect for running rugby.

Cooper described Forsyth Barr Stadium as having “the best conditions to play rugby anywhere in the world.”

He added: “The surface is unbelievable and it’s just one of those games where as a kicker, there’s no wind… the game is always fast.

“So in terms of a spectacle, every game that I’ve played there has been pretty high scoring, which is what the fans want.”

READ MORE: Australia explain the meaning behind unique boomerang response to the All Blacks’ haka