Ben Smith

In the first game of the 3 Test Series at Auckland's Eden Park, he set up a try to Aaron Smith (in the 32nd minute) and was awarded man-of-the-match award.

The final game of 3 Test Series, he again scored another in the 35th minute at New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium.

Smith would also form what would be a long-standing combination with fullback Israel Dagg during this series.

Benjamin Robert Smith (born 1 June 1986) is a retired New Zealand rugby union player, currently working for Super Rugby side Highlanders' management team.

He formerly played for the in the Super Rugby competition, in the ITM Cup, Pau in the Top 14 and Kobelco Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One.

Born in Dunedin and educated at King's High School, Smith progressed through the junior ranks in the city at his beloved Green Island Rugby Club (The Grizzlies) before making his Air New Zealand Cup debut in 2008.

Smith made his international debut for New Zealand in 2009, playing 84 tests from then until the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He was one of the break-out stars of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, scoring six tries for Otago on route earning a year-end selection for the New Zealand national team (All Blacks).

Smith was selected to the squad for the 2009 Super 14 season

In 2009 Smith was included in the 33-member All Blacks squad for the 2009 Autumn Internationals, ahead of veteran All Black winger Joe Rokocoko.

Smith made his test debut for the All Blacks against Italy on 14 November 2009 at the San Siro, Milan, which the All Blacks won 20–6.

He scored his first All Blacks try against the Barbarians in the last game of the tour which the Barbarians ran out winners 25–18 at Twickenham, London, on 5 December 2009.

In the 2010 ITM Cup, however, he struggled to make the same impact as Otago endured a nightmare season and bottom-of-the-table finish, while Smith missed several matches while at the Commonwealth Games in India.

In 2010, Smith started every Highlander game, and scored two tries for the season.

He played mainly on the wing, and earned one start at fullback while Israel Dagg was out injured.

Smith did not figure into All Black squads in 2010, but was selected for the rugby sevens squad which competed at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, where he helped New Zealand to a gold medal finish.

Shifted back to his preferred position of fullback for the 2011 Super Rugby season, earned praise from coach Jamie Joseph and consideration for another All Blacks callup.

He started every Highlander game for the third season running and added another two tries to his career total.

Smith made ten test appearances for the All Blacks in 2012, eight of which were off the bench.

Smith holds the international record (tied with seven English) of winning 14 games in a season, he was the only All Blacks player to play every match of 2013 in which all games were won, a very rare perfect season.

In 2013 he continued as Highlanders fullback and was selected for the All Blacks to play on the wing against France.

On 5 December 2013, Smith won the Super Rugby Player of the Year award for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

In June 2013, he played & featured in all 3 games against France in the French NZ Tour Series, on the right wing, with veteran Cory Jane ruled out due to injury.

In August 2013, during the 2013 Rugby Championship, Smith scored 3 tries in the All Blacks 47–29 win against the Wallabies at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

The following week when the All Blacks faced the Wallabies at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, he scored 2 tries to help New Zealand win 27–16 and to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

He was a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning team.

In May 2015 Smith played his 100th Super Rugby game against the Western Force.

In the second game on 15 June at Christchurch's Rugby League Park, he scored a try in the 48th minute of the game.

Smith was vice-captain of the All Blacks from 2016 to 2017 and captained the team once, against Samoa in 2017.

He scored 39 tries for New Zealand throughout his international career, placing him amongst the all-time leading try scorers.

He normally played as an outside back, but has also previously played as a centre and halfback.

In 2017, Smith played his 127th game for The Highlanders in their Round 15 22–25 loss to the Crusaders, equalling Anton Oliver's record for the most capped Highlander ever.

Unfortunately, Smith was taken off the field early in the second half for a concussion test- which was failed, after tripping over All Blacks teammate Ryan Crotty.

Smith announced he would be departing The Highlanders to join Top 14 side Pau following the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Smith started playing for Section Paloise, commonly known as Pau, in December 2019.

He received a red-card on his debut, his only sending off of his professional career.

His time in France was subsequently disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Section Paloise announced Smith's departure in July 2020 with the former All Black heading to Japan.

Kobe Steelers announced the signing of Smith ahead the 2021 Japan Rugby League One season on a one-year contract.

Smith returned to play for the club in 2022 before announcing his retirement from rugby.