Conrad Smith - Sonny Bill Williams 'will be massive'

Sonny Bill Williams

Under-fire midfield back Sonny Bill Williams has the type of game the All Blacks need at the World Cup, according to veteran centre Conrad Smith.

SBW was expected to contest the No. 12 jersey but has fallen way behind Smith's longtime cohort Ma'a Nonu, who has been in rampant form. SBW is a polarising figure, with his ardent fans now matched by the detractors after an interrupted season and poor tests against Samoa and Australia.

Smith said the dual code star "will be massive for us."

"The coaches understand the sort of rugby that will be played at the World Cup and particularly in the northern hemisphere," said Smith.

Conrad Smith: SBW will be massive

"He did very well in the end of year tour last year after a stint back in league. He loves that type of game up there - it's confrontational and he has the ability to take it through the line, to burst through the line then get the ball way and keep it alive. That's something the team is going to need right across the board."

Smith told Radio Sport the All Blacks would not use radical new tactics during the tournament.

"It's not like there will be a whole new game plan," he said.

"We'll tweak things here and there...there is only so much you can do. It will be the same with every team."

Smith expected Steve Hansen and the other coaches would reveal the adjustments over the next few days.