Smith, the Highlanders co-captain, was leading his side with hooker Ash Dixon on the bench and asked referee Paul Williams to check for potential foul play in the build-up to Etene Nanai-Seturo’s disallowed 78th minute try for the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The challenge was incidental for the result because the Highlanders led by 16 points with two minutes left, but had Nanai-Seturo’s score stood, they would have lost their bonus point for scoring three more tries than the Chiefs (5-2).
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Aaron Smith's fellow Highlanders co-captain, Ash Dixon, pictured, praised the All Blacks halfback for taking a punt.