The rise of Ben Smith will continue in 2016, with the world's best fullback confirmed to take a major step up in responsibility with the All Blacks.
Smith will be Kieran Read’s official deputy in Steve Hansen’s back‑to‑back world champions when they launch the post‑Richie McCaw era in the June test series against Wales.
It raises the real prospect of an All Blacks captain in the backline for the first time since Tana Umaga, should Read be sidelined for any reason.
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster confirmed to an appreciative audience at the Otago sports awards that Smith had been chosen as vice‑captain for the 2016 international season.
