Ben Smith

Ben Smith is a popular figure in Dunedin but the affable winger’s pace and power don’t hold the same appeal for his opponents, whom he routinely manages to get past with deceptive footwork and a canny ability to spot the gaps in a defensive line.

Spectacular speed, sound defence and reliability under the high ball has made Ben Smith a solid choice at wing, fullback or centre – and it’s that versatility that makes him a regular selection.

Smith made his provincial debut for Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup in 2007 (at the same time Otago had a winger with the same name but a different middle initial, which occasionally led to confusion). Selection for the Highlanders followed in 2009. In 2015 he played in his 100th match for them, only the fourth player and the first outside back to do so (the others to bring up a century for the ‘Landers were Anton Oliver, Chris King and Jimmy Cowan).

Smith’s first black jersey came for New Zealand Under 21 in 2007, where he appeared alongside future All Blacks teammates including Owen Franks and Colin Slade. The All Blacks selectors named him for the end of year tour in 2009, and he made his Test debut against Italy and also played against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

He then turned out for the New Zealand Barbarians in 2010 against the Maori All Blacks in Whangarei. His speed and work ethic had caught the eye of renowned sevens Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens and he was named in the All Blacks Sevens squad for the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. He played a valuable part in the team’s campaign and brought home a gold medal.

Dunedin born and bred Smith returned to the All Blacks for one Test in 2011 against Fiji but it was the following year when he really cemented his position in the team. After a compelling 2012 Investec Super Rugby campaign with his beloved Highlanders, Smith was back in black. Ten Tests followed that year, of which eight were appearances off the bench.

In 2013 he stepped things up a gear and had an outstanding season, appearing in every Test as the All Blacks became the first international side in the professional era to go through the season unbeaten. His performances at wing and centre saw him nominated for five national and international awards, including international Player of the Year. Come 2014 and Smith was an automatic selection in the All Blacks, for whom he appeared at both right wing and fullback and carried a heavy workload.

He played in 10 Tests in 2015 and was one of a small number of All Blacks to play in all seven matches during RWC 2015, starting six at fullback.

Smith attended Otago University to study Physical Education, but before embarking on his university education spent a ‘gap year’ in Bristol in England, with the Old Colstonians club he played for embracing his international selection in 2009 and including him in the ‘Famous OCs’ section on their website. Smith married his longtime partner Katie Menzies in 2015, with the couple welcoming a baby girl during the Super Rugby season.