All Blacks: Smith staying cool ahead of duel with O'Driscoll

Conrad Smith will play his 34th test in his native New Plymouth tomorrow and is looking forward to his match up with Brian O'Driscoll. Photo / Getty Images

There is no sharp intake of breath from Conrad Smith, no handwringing or scuffing his feet when you mention Sonny Bill Williams and rugby.

If anything, Smith is ebullient about the approaching New Zealand chapter of the multi-talented league turned union convert.

Smith's rationale? Simple. If New Zealand can get the best rugby talent on offer in a push to win the next World Cup, it is a no-brainer.

Even if Williams' arrival may challenge his role, Smith is all for the signing. Bring it on, let's build the depth in New Zealand rugby.

Smith will play his 34th test in his native New Plymouth tomorrow, a short stroll from Francis Douglas College where he and former national coach John Mitchell remain the only All Blacks on the honours roll.

Smith has caught up with a lot of old mates, family and may sneak in a look at his old school 1st XV before the big game tomorrow.

"It's a small school, but when you leave you stay pretty tight-knit and I was pretty proud of it. I'd like to see a game but I'm not sure how I'll get on," he said.

The 28-year-old centre was at centre two years ago when the All Blacks played their first test at Yarrow Stadium and is there again tomorrow in a midfield duel with Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll.

He keeps a wary eye on O'Driscoll's form and has also watched the brouhaha about Williams' approach.

"I think it would be great for the game," Smith said.

It would boost crowds for the national provincial championship, a competition which last year saw a revival of interest from the rugby public.

"It is what we live for. I love the way he plays," Smith said of O'Driscoll. "It is a high workrate game, he plays with a lot of energy and has a crack and when he is on fire he is great to watch.

"So he is someone I have enjoyed the most growing up and watching and it is great to test yourself against guys like that."

They might only meet a few times during a game because of the changing styles and patterns teams used. But the All Black said O'Driscoll was tough to tackle, and his hip strength allowed him to bump off poor attempts. He had great variety in his game and always posed a threat.

It was more common to meet your centre rival playing teams from Australia, Smith said.

"It is just the way they are pretty keen to use width from set pieces," he said.

If you played South African sides you might have to tackle anyone from numbers one to 15 from phase play. Opponents were all different.

The All Blacks were concentrating most though on getting their game right for tomorrow.

They were working hard on sharing the leadership roles, spreading the responsibility so Daniel Carter was not burdened with all those duties.

"I think too much pressure is put on the No10 at all levels of the game," Smith suggested.

"He is expected to run the game and I think we all need to help."

Smith will have a new midfield partner tomorrow, Benson Stanley in for the injured Ma'a Nonu. Smith had met Stanley briefly before the All Blacks camp and was enjoying his company.

"It is nice to meet new guys and it takes time to shift into the nuances of a new pairing," he said.