Kick return will be crucial against Springboks

Rugby’s old cliche dictates that big matches are won up front, but it’s out back where the All Blacks semifinal hopes might be decided when they play South Africa at Twickenham.

And it’s Ben Smith, one of the unsung stars of the All Blacks’ World Cup campaign who will dictate the response to the Springboks’ inevitable aerial bombardment. Whether Smith plays fullback, or possibly wing if Nehe MilnerSkudder’s shoulder rules him out of the match, he will be the man pulling strings that could tip the balance.

‘‘Part of the counter-attack that’s going to be massive against the Springboks is going to be defusing some of their kicking game they try to put in place,’’ Smith said.

But the influence of the All Blacks back three is far more than just catching kicks with their decision-making a key factor in dictating the flow of the match.

Backs coach Ian Foster talked this week of the importance of all players taking ownership of their decision-making, not just the playmakers at No’s 9 and 10.

‘‘We like to encourage our guys to make decisions and we believe it suits our athletes. We work hard on that and it involves letting go a little as a coach and giving space for them to make decisions.’’

South Africa has a backline full of talent but, after losing to Japan in the opening game, the under-pressure Springboks have reverted to type, relying on the direction of halfback Fourie du Preez to fire one-off runners, or kick for territory.

If that happens, Smith said the overriding factor for the All Blacks backs fielding those kicks was to decide what was the best option for the team.