All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith admits he's having a hard time concentrating on his Highlanders commitments, with the 2019 Rugby World Cup creeping closer.
Having re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, Smith is currently out of action for the Highlanders with an injured ankle, facing up to six weeks on the sidelines to recover.
Preparing to travel to his second World Cup with the All Blacks, Smith says that the excitement of this year's tournament has made it hard to focus on the current season.
"It's always in the back of your mind, no lies there," Smith said.
"During the Six Nations, and watching some of those games, you think about what it would be like to play those kind of games, [and] how big it is.
"I just use it as fuel."
Smith though, did say that he's entirely committed to the Highlanders, not taking his playing time for granted, unsure if he'll even make the All Blacks.
"I'd love nothing more to have a deep run with the Highlanders this year.
"If that comes - making the All Blacks - then it comes. It might sound pretty cliche, but at the moment I just want to get my ankle right and I hope that's within six weeks."
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