Rugby: Ben Smith ready to put All Blacks on his back against Samoa

Ben Smith will captain the All Blacks for the first time against Samoa. Photo / photosport.nz

Ben Smith has been on one of the more inspirational rugby journeys of the last eight years.

It started in relative obscurity in 2009 when he managed to play a whole season for the Highlanders without anyone outside of Dunedin noticing.

It's nowhere near ending, but this morning it has reached new heights, as he has been announced as captain of the All Blacks side to play Samoa on Friday.

Not many predicted back in 2009 that Smith would captain the All Blacks. Not many would have thought he would do so while winning his 61st cap and being universally recognised as one of the game's best outside backs.

Actually, universally recognised as the world's best fullback and in truth, the world's best wing and while we are making lists, the world's best utility back.

It has taken an incredible amount of everything for Smith to get there. Natural talent has been his core offering but this is New Zealand, and there are plenty of players who can offer that.

What has set Smith apart has been his resilience and patience. He's had to learn the art of trusting himself - of believing in himself. It took him a while.

It took him until 2012 to start thinking he deserved to be an All Black and until 2013 to really believe he could be a good All Black. Seems crazy now but he spent a few years unsure he was any good.

It took patience for him to keep at it and it took selfless commitment to turn down two huge overseas offers to commit to staying in New Zealand to fulfil his potential.

All of these qualities have enabled Smith to become one of New Zealand's most respected and admired players. Everyone loves Bender. How could you not? A skinny white guy who excels in a world of direct, bruising, highly explosive runners.

Somehow, every time he plays for the All Blacks, he surprises with his ability to find a way to have an enormous influence on the outcome.

If he's not plucking a high ball out of the heavens, he'll be running the most effective angle, pulling off a random turnover or dancing through a hole that engineers with the latest equipment would swear blind was never there.

He's modest, unassuming and every bit the quintessential All Black - the sort of kid you can imagine having grown up reading the back of the Weetbix pack, before he biked to school and climbed trees on the way home.

Tomorrow will be a big, big day for Smith. It's recognition of the standing in which he is held by his peers and a reward for all that he has given.

And while he'll be nervous - because he knows the weight of responsibility that comes with the role - he can be sure he has a nation willing him to do well.

All Blacks team to play Samoa at Eden Park tomorrow night:

Ben Smith (c), Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves
Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Vaea Fifita, TJ Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Jordie Barrett.