First take: Smith deserves own AB position

All Black's Ben Smith fends off South Africa's Victor Matfield during the match between New Zealand All Blacks v South Africa Springboks test match 2014. Photo / Darren Taumata

Ben Smith deserves his own position in the All Blacks, whatever that might be.

Even in a chaotic match between the Hurricanes and Highlanders he stood out the way he almost always does in the more structured world of the All Blacks.

Smith's test career has seen him zoom around fullback, wing and centre. He doesn't come across as a bloke who would complain, but if he was given his own slot, knew where he stood, Smith has just enough time left in his career to become a legend. And utilities don't become legends.

It could be argued that utility value has worked for Smith, but it might also be squashing his true potential.

Not every All Black World Cup certainty had a great night in Dunedin. This game was billed as including a clash within a clash, between halfbacks Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara.

In terms of test selection, this isn't so. Smith is maybe the best halfback in world rugby, having re-defined the position with his speed, involvement and machine-like passing. He makes the All Blacks hum. Perenara has yet to properly deliver to match his his cocky demeanour.

Smith's first three kicks out of hand were shockers. He missed a big tackle and gave away what could of been a crucial penalty. He left the ball un-protected when his team were on attack late in the game. A couple of passes were a bit shaky.

Perenara even scooted past him on a break towards the tryline, although Smith managed to take the subsequent pass off his opposite to snuff out the attack. Perenara isn't in the same league as Smith. But even the very best have an off night now and then.