All Blacks: Call up beyond Smith's wildest dream

Ben Smith is over the moon about being an All Black. Photo / Greg Bowker

Ben Smith is in a fantasy world right now, not entirely sure how he got there and a little bit wary it might not last.

He's over the moon; he's having to pinch himself to make sure he's not dreaming. He made his test debut this morning with most of the nation none the wiser to who he is.

It's unlikely that will be the case this time next year. Smith has the look of a long-term All Black. He's ideally equipped to make an impression in this age of kick-and-catch football.

But for the record - he's an Otago boy, born and bred. A product of King's High School in Dunedin and fiercely proud of the fact. He made the New Zealand under-21 side in 2007, playing in their 21-18 loss to the Canadian senior team. He had a couple of seasons with Otago, before being called into the Highlanders squad this year.

"I have been at university for a couple of years," says Smith. "This year I took the first six months off to concentrate on Super 14."

That move has paid off. He made an impression with the Highlanders despite the fact they were struggling. Then he exploded into life with Otago, playing mainly at fullback where he was the skinny bloke with headgear that had everyone saying how fast he was.

Still, there were plenty of double-takes when he was named in the All Black squad on October 18.

"I didn't have any idea until the day the team got named," says Smith. "That was the first I knew. I thought I was going all right but I honestly didn't think that I was going to be called up. I was pretty happy with my form but there are some good players in New Zealand. I didn't expect it at all.

"I had a foot injury at the end of last year so I didn't do any pre-season training and ended up playing the second pre-season game with the Highlanders. From there I just wanted to get a starting berth."

His career took the ultimate leap on the back of both his form and the switch in the demands of the position. South Africa exposed how few players in New Zealand are quality operators under the high ball and how few outside backs could kick long.

Even three years ago, it's doubtful Smith would have come anywhere near the All Blacks who were after big, explosive wingers.

The selection criteria have all changed and Smith is arguably, in the skills of kick and catch, the pick of the bunch. At training, he hoofs the ball prodigious distances. He's one of the few who rarely drops the ball and he's even a sneaky goal-kicker - capable of knocking them over from long range.

It's as if the modern game, with its emphasis on kicking, has been set up just for him.

"That's the reason I am in the team," he says of his work under the high ball. "It is a big part of the game."

It also hasn't escaped anyone's attention that he is as quick, if not quicker than the other outside backs on tour. That's a surprise to him.

"I didn't do any track stuff when I was kid. I never realised I was fast. I have always been mediocre but this year I have been working with the strength and conditioning coach in Dunedin. I have been working on getting explosiveness over 40 metres. I have been looking to get off the mark quicker and I am quicker. It's a bit of a shock to me."

Smith's call up was also a bit of shock to the Old Colstonians Rugby Club in Bristol who proudly declare him their first All Black.

He had a season with the club in 2005 when he worked at Colston School.

"I am going to catch up with them [players from Old Colstonians] when I'm in London.

His parents, Karen and Stu, were at the San Siro this morning. His partner, Katie, is coming for the French and English tests. After the tour the pair will spend some time in London before flying home via Los Angeles.

Once Smith returns, he knows the hard work will begin again, particularly to build up.

He's been able to handle himself at Super 14 at his current weight, but he will have learned this morning, that at test level, the hits are harder.

"I do need to put on a few more kilos. I think I can get away with being 95kg. It's always been difficult for me to put on weight. A couple of years ago I was in the low 80s and I have done pretty well to get to 90kg."

He has to find the bulk without compromising his speed or agility which is what makes him such a dangerous runner. He also needs to complete his degree in physical education.

"I'm not too sure what I want to do. Most people get into teaching but I'm not sure that's what I want. I'll see how the rugby goes."