All Blacks: Smith gets chance to nail down fullback slot

Ben Smith. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Ben Smith is facing something of an impossible task tonight but he's hardly lacking incentive to top the heights of last week.

The All Black fullback has the chance to usurp the injured Israel Dagg and retain the No15 jersey for the Rugby Championship.

On last week's form, when Smith was the hero in defence and attack under the roof in Dunedin, it should be a given. His first start at fullback for the All Blacks was a revelation and it's one he will struggle to surpass in the third test in Hamilton.

But that is Smith's intention. And if he achieves that aim, it will be difficult for coach Steve Hansen to select the natural fullback anywhere else.

Ever the perfectionist, Smith checked the tape and found a few deficiencies among what must have been a pretty impressive highlight reel. England will be far from thrilled to hear the Highlanders man can enhance his game.

"Looking at my game, there were a few different areas where I could've done a bit better and there were a few decision-making things where I probably need to improve," Smith said.

"You're looking to go out there every week and give the best performance you can, so this week's another chance to do that."

Modesty aside, Smith's efforts in Dunedin were surely something approaching his best. They were certainly a step above what Dagg - in fairness, one part of an underwhelming backline as a whole - produced in the opener at Eden Park.

With the regular fullback kept on the sidelines through a knee injury, Smith now has a chance to nail down the position in which he has played the majority of his rugby. The All Black coaches are loyal, almost to a fault, when it comes to selecting their incumbents, so another strong 80 minutes tonight could see Smith preserve his place when his side visit Sydney in August.

Not that he saw it that way.

"Getting my preparation right throughout the week will give me the best chance for a good performance, and then if that performance is good enough to earn the jersey back the next time the All Blacks play, then that'll be good.

"Fullback is a position that I am probably most comfortable in. But, as I've said before, I don't mind playing other positions - I've enjoyed my time on the wing or at centre.

"For me, it's an opportunity to go out there and play as well as I can. This week it's in the fullback jumper, so I'm just looking to do the best job I can for the team."

Occasionally a player of Smith's varying skill set can be a victim of their own versatility - becoming a fixture on the reserves' bench due to an ability to excel at multiple positions.

For Smith, though, the opposite is true. He is too important a player to keep from the run-on XV, so the coaches are forced to find a spot for the 28-year-old wherever they can.

And Smith is quite happy for his flexibility to remain, knowing the team may be better served in the future if he again finds himself starting elsewhere. "Sometimes it might be easier [to play one position] but I think, for the mix of the squad, it is handy to play a few," he said. "It doesn't really worry me."