Rugby: Rene's ranging up on Smith

Taniwha Rene Ranger continues to move up New Zealand's centre ranks as incumbent All Black Conrad Smith confirms he will be taking a sabbatical and miss the end-of-year tour.

Ranger, who has been in camp with the All Blacks, looks almost certain to add to his three test caps he earned in 2010 now that Smith is out of contention for the European tour.

Smith's decision to action the sabbatical clause in his All Blacks contract adds further weight to the argument the 26-year-old Ranger should stay in New Zealand rather than take up a reported $600,000 a year contract with Montpellier in France.

As revealed in the Herald on Sunday last November, Smith will be available for the Rugby Championship but will not travel for the tests against France, Ireland and England.

Coach Steve Hansen said at the All Blacks training camp at the Mt Maunganui yesterday he was comfortable with the decision.

"We can only support that," Hansen said. "I'd rather he went on a sabbatical than retire. There's still a lot of rugby left in him, it's just an indicator that players need to step out, get that decent break, get their bodies right."

Smith, 31, a veteran of 66 tests for the All Blacks, will play for the Hurricanes against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday after recovering from concussion suffered against the Bulls three weeks ago.

This Saturday, Ranger and his Blues teammates will be looking at regaining coach Sir John Kirwan's trust against the Highlanders after a disappointing display last weekend against the Brumbies at home.