Rugby: Smith could be the bolter

Ben Smith has helped transform the Highlanders into surprise Super Rugby playoff contenders. Photo / Getty Images

From being the forgotten man throughout 2010, Ben Smith is now of critical importance to the All Blacks.

He could even be a potential starter - on the wing - for the opening tests of the season.

Not only has his form been outstanding but options for back three places are decidedly thin at present with Israel Dagg and Isaia Toeava nursing serious injuries and Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger and Sitiveni Sivivatu struggling for form, although the latter is showing signs of return.

It has been a stunning climb from nowhere by Smith. No one had him on any extended list of potential candidates for back three places at the start of the season but now he is almost certain to at least make the Tri Nations if not hold onto his place through to the World Cup.

While senior players across the country are nursing various injuries, only two men will be seriously concerning the selectors - Dagg and Toeava. The future of these two in terms of their fitness and availability for both Tri Nations and World Cup is uncertain.

Dagg has had surgery on a torn ligament in his thigh with medics suggesting he is facing a 10-week recovery. That would keep him out of action until early August but he's hopeful that prognosis is at the conservative end of the scale.

Ever the optimist, Dagg is targeting to be back in time to play a few games for Hawke's Bay in late July and be available for the tail end of the Tri Nations if required.

In early May, Toeava was told to rest his damaged hip for between six to eight weeks. A stress fracture, fixed in a major operation last year, had resurfaced. The Blues medical team believe the injury is nowhere near as serious as it was in 2010 and that it should heal as a result of Toeava's rest period.

As the All Black coaches know only too well, injuries don't always heal the way they are supposed to; rehabilitation periods can extend beyond original predictions; then there are the problems of players finding their form again after long periods out.

Prior to their injuries both Dagg and Toeava looked to be on track to fill All Black squad places in the back three alongside Mils Muliaina and probably Hosea Gear and one of a group including Sivivatu, Jane, Ranger and Rokocoko.

But now Smith is head of the queue. Even if Toeava is declared fit to play in the Tri Nations, Smith will be vital back-up. His versatility is such that he looks equally composed at wing as at fullback. If needs be, he can cover second five.

The only concern the selectors will have is his lack of experience. Smith made the 2009 end of year tour, starting on the wing for the test against Italy. He famously dropped the ball with his first touch in test football but recovered his composure to play soundly in what was a turgid game with few opportunities.

A key feature of the All Black squad last year was their experience. All across the team there were players with 50-plus caps and that knowledge was vital in securing late comeback wins against Australia and South Africa.

If Dagg doesn't recover in time or Toeava doesn't come right, Smith could see ample game time at the World Cup. There will also be plenty of encouragement and advice offered to Jane over the next few weeks. At his best Jane is extraordinarily good. Like Smith, he can effortlessly switch between wing and fullback and has scored and created spectacular tries since making his debut in 2008.

But he's been a forlorn figure for much of this season. His form has been patchy and he's struggled with injury. He only has a few weeks left to play his way in and will be hoping the injuries to Dagg and Toeava will offer him a selection reprieve.