Is Ben Smith the End of Cory Jane's All Black Career?

He may have the most anonymous name in world rugby but his deeds on the rugby field over the last couple of seasons for the Highlanders and All Blacks have meant that his anonymity has well and truly been blown out of the water.

With 5 tries in 2 games, Ben Smith is the top try scorer in this year's Rugby Championship and this despite South Africa's big cricket score against Argentina last week.

Many thought that Ben Smith's selection for the All Blacks in 2009 was really just a reward for his efforts for Otago and the Highlanders that year, rather than a selection for the future - many players in New Zealand and particularly from Otago, had been selected for good form in Super Rugby and NPC and then just fade away after that, e.g. Angus Macdonald, John Schwalger, Campbell Johnstone, Clarke Dermody anyone?

Ben Smith's All Blacks debut against Italy in 2009

Indeed, Ben Smith found himself on the outer of All Black selection for two years, missing out on the Rugby World Cup squad in 2011 - he was never in the running really.

Ben Smith - Dunedin represent!

But Dunedin born and bred Smith never gave up hope and showed his loyalty for province and country, committing his present future to New Zealand rugby in 2011 amidst speculation that he would head overseas like many budding New Zealand rugby players.

That, his superb work ethic and a bit of luck have now paid off dividends - fellow utility back, Isaia Toeava's departure to Japan definitely opened the door for Smith who can play in all double-digit positions on the field. Cory Jane's misfortune has seen the in-form Ben Smith slot into the starting backline with ease to the point that fans might be asking Cory who?

Err.. remember me?

Indeed, the only person who might not enjoy Ben Smith's stunning form at the moment is last year's incumbent - at this rate, only injuries to Ben Smith and his back-up, Charles Piutau would see a return for Upper Hutt's favourite boy.

Is Ben Smith better than Goldie? Only time will tell.

Ben Smith is undoubtedly Otago rugby's best contribution to world rugby since prop and now multi-millionaire, Carl Hayman, and probably their best back since one Jeff Wilson - and even then Goldie was actually a Southland boy originally.

Whether Ben Smith is better than Goldie, well that remains to be seen - give it a couple more seasons and we can decide.

Ben Smith running and running against Les Bleus this year

In an age where we have gotten used to the best wingers being from the islands - not being racist, but their genetic make-up blesses them with pace and skill with the feet meaning they would make naturally terrific wingers (go watch Sevens, the evidence is there) - seeing a white guy like Ben Smith running at backlines with such skill and verve is a breath of fresh air.

Ben Smith has been the Highlanders' best and most consistent player in the last 2 seasons

These are heady times for rugby down south. A year on after the near-extinction of the proud Otago Rugby Football Union due to potential bankruptcy, rugby fans from Alexandra, Oturehua, Palmerston, Balclutha and Dunedin can not only celebrate the Ranfurly Shield returning to the region for the first time since 1957, they can also celebrate the achievements of their very own player born and raised in the region making waves for the ABs in world rugby.

These are wonderful times for rugby in Dunedin and Otago

Let's hope for Otago's sake, the recent successes on the rugby field can translate to a rebirth of one of world rugby's proudest regions - and even the rebirth of one of New Zealand's proudest cities.