All Blacks: Ben Smith's tenacity adds midfield bite after switch from the wing

Ben Smith picked the perfect time to have one of his best tests in the midfield.

Moved from the right wing to second-five at halftime following Ma'a Nonu's broken forearm, Smith's ability to provide momentum with the ball in an unfamiliar position and in the face of the Springboks' suffocating defence was a huge factor in the All Blacks' victory.

The versatile 28-year-old, who must now be considered one of the best outside backs in the world, didn't always have a good time of it when he started at centre in his team's final five tests of last year in the absence of namesake Conrad, but in the Wellington rain he gave a lesson in determination and skill.

His refusal to die with the ball, to drive his legs on when many would have considered themselves tackled, earned the All Blacks precious ground against an extremely tenacious opponent.

The All Blacks' coaches took a gamble with their make-up of the reserves bench, with midfielder Malakai Fekitoa replaced by outside back Cory Jane, leaving Ben Smith as the only cover for Conrad Smith and Nonu, but the Highlander simply carried on his free-running style closer in to what was an extremely physical contact area.

"He's done that job magnificently for us," assistant coach Ian Foster said. "We had a conversation on Tuesday and I basically told him not to worry because Ma'a never gets injured, and that didn't work.

"He just trusted his instincts ... his footwork was really good and, again, he's been hugely valuable for us," said Foster.

Conrad Smith said yesterday of Nonu: "He said to me immediately after it happened he thought he'd broken his forearm and I probably was aware of our shortage on the bench and said 'you'll be right and I hope you carry on'.

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"But it was pretty obvious from then on [that he couldn't]."

From uncertain beginnings and a difficult test debut against Italy in Milan in 2009, Ben Smith's self belief and value to the All Blacks has grown enormously.

One of his biggest hurdles to get over at the highest level was feeling he deserved to be there. Now that he does he is one of most consistently dangerous attacking players in the world.

Ben Smith said Conrad Smith's communication skills were a big factor in his good performance under pressure at the Cake Tin against the old foe.

Rather than being rattled against a backline including skipper Jean de Villiers, who was celebrating his 100th test, the two Smiths combined beautifully.

"It's always good to have Conrad beside you, he makes your job a lot easier.

"I was just making sure I was talking to him and doing the best job I could," said Ben Smith.