Why Smith needs to fire
It’s never nice to have to paint a bullseye on the hide of one of the great servants of New Zealand’s national game. When that chosen target is Ben Smith, it’s even harder. Because when it comes to watching All Blacks’ games, rarely has Smith given spectators reason to grumble. At times he has been indispensable. Whether at fullback, or on the right wing, Smith has often delivered during a career that began in 2009 and has seen him stack up 79 test caps.
That’s some achievement. But it’s time to pose a question ahead of the World Cup in
Japan. Does Smith still deserve his fivestar rating?
Judging by his recent performances for the All Blacks, it’s difficult to answer without attempting to create excuses.
Maybe the 33-year-old, who suffered a serious hamstring injury in the latter part of the Highlanders’ Super Rugby season, was still trying to trust his body when he appeared in the Rugby Championship tests against Argentina, South Africa and Australia. Because Smith didn’t warrant the indispensable tag in those tests in Buenos Aires, Wellington and Perth. Something wasn’t right.
The sight of him being yanked during the second half of the 47-26 loss in Perth, to be replaced by George Bridge, was sobering.
In previous seasons that was unthinkable. Smith could dominate in the air, combining courage and timing to beat opponents when taking the high ball, or could use his nous to spy a gap and counterattack from the deep.
Worse was to come. When the All Blacks team was named to play the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland the following week, Smith’s name was missing.
Seevu Reece had been allocated a place on the right wing, Bridge was on the other flank, Beauden Barrett was retained at fullback and younger brother Jordie was the bench as cover.
So members of the Ben Smith Fan Club will be relieved to see he has been named at fullback for the test against Tonga in Hamilton tomorrow.
Many believe it’s his best position and it’s hard to disagree. As for Smith, he shrugs and says he doesn’t care where he plays.
Tonga will be brave, and full of enthusiasm. No-one doubts that. They also have little hope in embarrassing the All Blacks at FMG Stadium. It won’t happen.
If the All Blacks forwards can assert their dominance in the first half, there’s potential for Smith to get his hands on the ball and contribute to the super-quick game the coaches are so intent on playing on the firm grounds during the upcoming tournament in Japan.
Fingers crossed, then. It’s never easy watching great players reversing their way into a World Cup squad.
Smith has rarely been under such pressure to stay relevant.
However, if there’s one thing we know about him, it’s that he isn’t type to curl up and surrender.
The All Blacks’ first World Cup game against South Africa isn’t until September 21. Given everything he has achieved, Smith shouldn’t have anything to prove.
But it doesn’t work like that in test rugby. Not ahead of a World Cup, and not when South Africa are lying in wait.
And certainly not when other squad members are peaking. Smith can only control what he can do. That starts against Tonga.