All Blacks: Stanley proves a natural fit in black No 12 jersey

Benson Stanley drew praise from teammate Dan Carter for his performance against Ireland. Photo / Getty Images

Think Benson Stanley, think who else in the black No 12 jersey?

Maybe Warwick Taylor, Bernie McCahill or perhaps Daryl Gibson.

Someone reliable, a strong link, a second five-eighths who puts the team well ahead of any personal acclaim.

Stanley depicted himself as a last choice as the selectors looked for someone to deputise for the injured Ma'a Nonu on Saturday in New Plymouth. However, Stanley's debut against Ireland will have delivered a strong commendation about his future and the team dynamics.

Either side of him in midfield, Daniel Carter and Conrad Smith prospered. Circumstance perhaps, helped by Ireland playing one short.

But there did seem to be an order and pattern which has not always been associated with the All Black midfield. It's a neat counter-point to the abrasive thrust Nonu offers in that area.

After Carter kicked each of his eight attempts to become just the fourth member of test rugby's 1000-point club - joining Diego Dominguez, Neil Jenkins and, at the top of the tree with 1175 points, Jonny Wilkinson - he and Smith praised their new midfield colleague.

Stanley was still finding it tough to take in his new status after the match. He had been very nervous.

"I probably didn't show it much, but I was doing deep-breathing and all sorts under the covers so [roommate] Dan wouldn't see me," he said. "I was just trying to get things under control and stay cool."

He wasn't normally so agitated before a match. Stanley told himself to get sorted.

"Once that went through, I thought this is just another footy game, albeit a test match under higher intensity and more physical."

The 25-year-old said the All Blacks didn't change their mentality when Ireland was reduced to 14 men. They already had their foot on the visitors' throat and he had a good feeling about the backline partnership.

He'd never played alongside Carter and Smith, and was pleased with how he slotted in. They all had to keep working hard to build on their first match together, he said.

Stanley kept his debut All Black jersey and will get it framed so he can reflect later on his special night in New Plymouth.