He's been shifted to rugby's most demanding defensive position yet Ben Smith holds onto one key thought. Attackproduct labeling.
The Rugby Championship's most damaging runner and leading tryscorer will move from the All Blacks wing to play centre in the third Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Dunedin on SaturdayCCIBA.
Earlier this week former All Blacks captain and centre Tana Umaga issued a plea that Smith not get bogged down by his new defensive duties, which differ markedly from the requirements of a wingerMen fashion.
Umaga says Smith, who made 11 line breaks and scored eight tries during unbeaten New Zealand's six Rugby Championship wins, needs to remain a key weapon with ball in hand.
Smith, 27, says that will be his intention.
"I'll make sure I fit into the system when it comes to defence, but I'm excited by the attack (options) in that position," he said.
"There are a lot of opportunities and I'll be doing my best to make sure I'm aware when space opens up."
Smith's improvement from the uncertain player who made a modest Test debut against Italy in Milan four years ago has been striking.
He admits he felt "out of his depth" on that tour of Europe.
One Test against Fiji in 2011 was followed by 10 appearances last year, of which eight were off the bench.
It is only this year that he feels at home in Test rugby, something coach Steve Hansen has also noticed.
"When he first came in, I don't think he believed that he should have been here.
"He had doubts and that's not unusual for young people coming into the All Blacks," Hansen said.
"As time's gone on, he's got more comfortable in the environment and on the playing pitch.
"To the point where he's playing outstandingly well."
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