All Black centre pays tribute to Ma'a Nonu

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith has paid tribute to his centre partner Ma’a Nonu ahead of his 100th appearance.

Speaking about when Nonu started out: “He was younger and he'd be the first to admit he had a different approach, a different attitude about a lot of things,” said Smith.

"Ask any of us what we were like 10 years ago, though, and we'd all say the same.

"I've seen a lot change and it's been great to see the way he has evolved into the guy he is now and it's good for him and great for the team.”

Smith also opened up on how England being knocked out had impacted the squad.

He added: "We all felt it. You don't like seeing it and it dawns on you how cut-throat this competition is and it's going to keep happening for the next few weeks and that's just the reality of it."