All Blacks: Fear of losing rather than looming Fekitoa keeps Smith focused

All Black centre Conrad Smith sees rugby as a team game and is happy to help younger players. Photo / Getty Images

Conrad Smith has been part of a losing All Blacks side only seven times.

In a career which has spanned a decade, including 75 tests, 24 tries, a World Cup victory and plenty of other milestones, seven losses is a small number.

One of those defeats came when the All Blacks were tipped over 38-21 by a rampant English side at Twickenham in 2012.

Smith missed the opportunity to avenge that result last year, when the All Blacks returned the favour with a 30-22 win but he is a safe bet to be starting at centre when Steve Hansen's side host England at Eden Park on Saturday night.

"I don't know if it's revenge or anything like that," Smith said. "I think it's a good thing because it brings out the element of fear about who you're playing, fear about a really good team and that's something that I think the whole squad is feeling at the moment."

One of the running themes among the All Blacks recently has been their desire to stress how strong they believe England will be.

The English, ranked fourth in the world, will be without a host of players for the opening test of the three-match series because of club commitments back home but will have their full quota from next week.

Under coach Stuart Lancaster, they have steadily improved in recent years.

"They've certainly shown an ability to play with a bit more imagination and a bit more width and that's the reason I think they've played so well," Smith said.

"We are very respectful and that will hopefully make us prepare really well for a big challenge."

Smith is also well aware of the fast-improving Malakai Fekitoa and said he had no problems tutoring the man who may eventually break his ironclad grip on the All Blacks' No 13 jersey.

"He's a totally different player than I am and any way I can help him is something I enjoy doing," Smith said.

"Maybe it's the stage of my career, I don't know, but I've never been one to have a lot of individual aspirations. For me, it's about the All Blacks winning and if there comes a day where they see somebody better than myself in the 13 jersey then I'm all for it."

Smith was also pleased to see the new coaching duo of Chris Boyd and John Plumtree officially appointed to lead the Hurricanes next season.

Boyd was the first backs coach Smith worked under when he made his debut for Wellington in 2003.

"I enjoyed him then so I think it's pretty positive," Smith said.

Meanwhile, Crusaders flanker Matt Todd joined the All Blacks as cover while Chiefs openside Sam Cane manages a knee strain and Crusaders prop Joe Moody will also train with the squad this week.