Wynne Gray: Backups for centre role in World Cup need to lift game to compete with Conrad Smith

Malakai Fekitoa. Photo / Getty Images

When an All Black retires or signals that intention complimentary reactions usually follow, just as a lineout comes after a kick to touch.

Appropriate accolades came with the announcement that Conrad Smith is making this year his last tilt at the All Blacks before shifting to a new employer in France.

Smith has filled out a remarkably enduring career for someone whose frame suggested he would be most effective wielding his law degree in cerebral battles. However, the 33-year-old has tapped into the physical challenges of test rugby with great aplomb since his 2004 debut.

His tally stands at 85 tests which began against Italy at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome where a small but raucous crowd watched the centre score early in the visitors' stroll to a 59-10 victory.

After a week to digest that start, Smith pulled on the jersey again in the huge 45-6 victory against France where he played alongside the midfield guidance of captain Tana Umaga.

Injury and competition meant Smith played just 12 tests by the start of 2008 as Casey Laulala, Isaia Toeava, Mils Muliaina, Luke McAlister, Ma'a Nonu and Richard Kahui were used.

Since then Smith has pushed on strongly past concussion, facial injuries and challengers for his position.

Reliable, dependable, sensible-they are the sorts of descriptions to wrap around Smith's rugby production. His fitness, low error rate and reliable decision-making fitted into the positional requirements at centre.

Consistency became Smith's major attribute in any selection debates as he headed off occasional but unsustained challenges from Tamati Ellison, Ben Stanley, Rene Ranger and Sonny Bill Williams.

In the past few seasons Smith's control frayed at times when either his speed or technique failed him as England's destructive onslaught at Twickenham in 2012 discovered. The Springboks also had a piece of him last year at Ellis Park.

The selectors were looking for backup and Ben Smith, Malakai Fekitoa and Ryan Crotty have been offered those chances and the recent tour to the US and UK was a job-sharing expedition.

Smith will still be numero uno at centre for the All Blacks panel who will factor in information about leadership, planning, a backline voice and experience to use in their selections. While Smith remains upright they will need compelling proof from others if there is to be a change.

That is the task for Fekitoa, Crotty, Williams or any others like Robbie Fruean, Tom Taylor, Charles Piutau, Charlie Ngatai, Seta Taminavalu, Jason Emery or Tim Nanai-Williams who want to be part of the All Blacks World Cup defence.