Halfback Aaron Smith hopes the feeling is mutual as he and the All Blacks plot methods to counter Australian rugby conductor Will Genia.

Electric No.9 Genia is the man the All Blacks fear most in Saturday night’s Bledisloe Cup Test at Sydney.

Smith said he could only admire some of the sizzling plays the Papua New Guinea-born Genia had pulled off in recent seasons.

Two games stood out, both in Brisbane last year, when Genia sparked victory for the Reds over the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final and then again in the Bledisloe Cup dead rubber.

“I’ve watched him over the last few years and some of the things he can do are pretty amazing,” Smith said.

“I played 40 minutes against him for the Highlanders (against the Reds) and we managed to shut him down that night.

“I’ll be keeping a close eye on him and hopefully he’s not doing any of those big long breaks and (if so) I’ll hopefully be on his tail.”

Smith, a year younger than Genia at 23, has quickly developed a reputation of his own this year courtesy of a laser-quick clearance and sharp decision-making.

That continued at Test level on debut against Ireland in June, ensuring he stayed ahead of veteran halfbacks Piri Weepu and Andy Ellis and Chiefs dynamo Tawera Kerr-Barlow in coach Steve Hansen’s eyes.

Smith said his experience behind the All Blacks pack gave him confidence heading into the Genia showdown.

“And hopefully he’s worried about me a little bit too.”

Meanwhile, Smith could sense an extra edge in the squad compared to the Irish buildup.

It stemmed from a session at the team hotel where they discussed the importance of continuing their nine-year run as Bledisloe Cup holders.

“We got a stern talking-to from the senior players on Sunday night of what it means to them and what the Cup means to New Zealand.

“That meant a lot to me.”