All Blacks had plenty of opportunities to win the game in the final 20 minutes – Aaron Smith

Outgoing All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith has revealed that they had plenty of opportunities in the last 20 minutes of the Rugby World Cup final to win but could not execute in the end.

Smith gave credit to the Springboks for putting pressure on them and making crucial tackles and turnovers when it mattered the most.

He says he is just immensely proud of his teammates as they fought with 14 men for a long period during the match after captain Sam Cane was red-carded for a dangerous tackle in the first half of the game.

Smith says they always have plans around if they get cards and how their game changes, depending on what the position is of the player carded.

He says they held strong with one less forward and had opportunities but just could not get over the try line again.

Smith says they did not die wondering and they threw everything they had but the Springboks held strong in those key moments and turnovers.

Smith, with 124 international caps for the All Blacks under his name, will be leaving NZRU and will join the Toyota Verblitz in the Japan Rugby League One competition for the 2024 season.