Conrad Smith is one of the most consistent performers for the All Blacks, combining great accuracy with vision and the uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.
The Wellington centre has a strong rugby pedigree. His uncle Alan Smith played three tests for the All Blacks between 1967-70. His great-uncle Jack Walter was a seven-match All Black in 1925. Yet Smith is one of the few players in the team who did not come through the age-group ranks; his selection for the All Blacks' 2004 end-of-year tour was his first national call-up.
Since the retirement of Tana Umaga, Smith has become first choice for outside centre next to Hurricanes teammate Ma'a Nonu.
It was thought the much-trumpeted arrival of Sonny Bill Williams could have pushed Smith out. But the selectors appear to prefer the more subtle talents of Smith.
Known to teammates as "Snake", Smith is adept at releasing his outside flyers when his own attacking options are cut.
