All Blacks: Centre of gravity

All Black Conrad Smith is hopeful of starting in Saturday's game against the Wallabies in Japan. Photo / Getty Images

Conrad Smith was initially concerned when he heard the plans to reshuffle the All Black coaches. It sounded a bit radical at first when he and other senior players were briefed a few weeks ago.

"I wasn't sure at first," says the 28-year-old. "I was a bit worried about how it would work. It sounded novel, quite a big change."

As the idea sunk in, he started to come around and when the players came into camp last week, Smith's concerns evaporated.

"I thought about it some more and it started to make sense. These guys all know what they are talking about and they all make a contribution. It's not as if they stick to their own roles exclusively as it is. If they see something they will talk about it and help each other and they have an interest across the team and they contribute everywhere.

"Also this last week has shown that things are working really well."

The change in coaching portfolios is going to impact directly upon Smith. Prior to tugging his hamstring mid-way through the Tri Nations, he was establishing himself as the key organiser in the back division.

He's always been a leader in that sense - he's always enjoyed the challenge of not only organising himself, but those around him. That part of his game is going to be crucial this Saturday in Tokyo and throughout the tour.

The decision to switch Steve Hansen to attack coach, Graham Henry to the forwards and Wayne Smith to defence was part of a package deal.

There was an inherent level of risk juggling the jobs so, to lessen it, the senior players have been asked to step up and make a greater contribution.

"I have already talked at length to the coaches about what they are expecting from me and what I can do. I have been around for a while now and have a bit of experience. Steve Hansen has told me how he wants me to contribute and in what ways I can help him."

The best way Smith can help is to carry on his role as backline defensive co-ordinator. The Wellington centre is the driver of the All Black defensive wall, an area of their game that is often unappreciated.

While much has been made of the challenge facing Henry as he moves into a role he has not filled for the better part of 10 years, the real concern about the shake-up is that it leaves the All Blacks without their defensive mastermind.

Whatever other problems the All Blacks have endured in the past 18 months, their defensive work has risen to new heights. They didn't concede a try, or a point, in Cape Town last year - the first time any international side has kept the Springboks scoreless in South Africa.

They then didn't concede a try on their Grand Slam tour - 320 minutes without having their line broken - and this year, despite losing, they only missed four tackles in the Hamilton test against South Africa.

When they kick off against Australia this weekend, it will be 225 minutes since the Wallabies last scored a try against the All Blacks. The quality of the All Blacks' defence has been extraordinary but Smith is confident the quality can be maintained.

"Defence is always a big focus for us," says Smith. "This week Wayne Smith was driving that and he's been working pretty much the way we were before but also adding a few of his own ideas.

"We haven't had the results we were after this year but no one can question the attitude and the desire of the guys playing. Defence is a sign of the character and the culture within the team.

"Centre is one of the more difficult roles to learn defensively. It can take two or three years before you are happy with all that is involved. Defence is something I enjoy driving and it certainly makes my job easier if the guys inside you and outside you know their roles as well.

"I like to help other players on the field. I do talk a lot and that helps me hopefully as much as it helps them."

Smith, having managed 40 minutes on Friday night for Wellington against Tasman, is hopeful he'll start this Saturday against Australia. His troublesome hamstring felt good in Nelson and he says he's ready to play a test he believes the Australians will target.

"They will not be happy with the way they played in the Tri Nations and they will want to start their tour off on the right note. There has been talk of this being a dead rubber, but I don't think so.

"We were not happy with the we played in the Tri Nations either and we want to get our tour off to a good start as well."