It may only be late March but the race for the All Blacks fullback position is very much on between two of its incumbents.
The word out on the street at the moment is that Ben Smith would be the first choice fullback if he remained fit and maintained the current form he is in.
It is probably not surprising given that Israel Dagg's form hasn't been exactly convincing so far to start off with this season - his kicking game appears to be off the radar at the moment and he has been found wanting at the back by the Chiefs and Blues.
On the other hand, Ben Smith, now captain of the Highlanders, has carried on where he left off, back in his preferred position of fullback where he has the liberty of the field to express his skills and playmaking abilities, instead of the centre position where he featured for the All Blacks towards the end of last season.
Ben Smith in this form come June definitely should be All Blacks fullback with a battle royale for the two wing positions between the equally on-song Julian Savea, Frank Halai and Charles Piutau, as well as sleeping pill buddies Cory Jane and Israel Dagg. Conrad Smith will be back at centre and with Ryan Crotty and Francis Sai'ili also available for selection, it means Ben Smith should be back at fullback where he is most effective.
It is awesome that the All Blacks have this much depth at the back and bodes well just over a year out from World Cup year. Ben Smith and Israel Dagg are quality players and it's a shame that the ABs can't play both at the same time. However, given how long the rugby season is nowadays, it is good that the AB coaches can rotate between both.
In doing so, Ben Smith is emulating a fellow Southern man, Jeff Wilson's footsteps.
What do you think?
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