All Blacks: Mr Fix-It plugs hole at No 12

Ben Smith was centre of the Springboks' attention in the second half. Photo / Getty Images

Ben Smith arrived at Westpac Stadium last night knowing he would end up in the All Blacks' midfield only if there was a serious problem.

Well, it struck in the first spell and the versatile 28-year-old, who began last night's test match against South Africa in Wellington on the right wing, was forced to move to second-five after Ma'a Nonu took a blow to his forearm.

There were no obvious signs of Nonu's discomfort during the opening 40 minutes but he didn't return for the second half as Smith shuffled infield.

The All Blacks selectors dropped reserve midfielder Malakai Fekitoa out of the squad who beat Argentina last week as they put outside back Cory Jane on the bench last night with the belief Smith could cover a crisis.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said he expected Nonu and centre Conrad Smith to play 80 minutes if everything went to plan but it's funny how these things have a way of working out.

Ben Smith had started six of his previous 32 tests at centre but second-five is a place that's fairly foreign to him.

The running lines are different, and you need to be robust in defence, but Smith's slippery running style offers a different approach to the bullocking Nonu.

Everything about Smith is safe - from his on-the-fence media interviews, where he would never like to offend anyone, to his ability under the high ball when at fullback for the Highlanders.

He's a reliable Mr Fix-It for any occasion and last night's test was no different. He has played at first-receiver for the national sevens side, which is an indication of his ability closer to the action.

Building depth in every position ahead of next year's World Cup is an ongoing concern in the mind of Hansen and Co and it would have been pleasing for them to see Smith hold his own at second-five.

His numbers were sound, too, as he made 11 carries, beat nine defenders and produced one clean break as the All Blacks battled to a 14-10 victory. He also came up with a few crucial tackles.