16 Jun 2014

Hansen lauds Ben Smith

11:28 am on 16 June 2014

The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has praised the stand-out effort of fullback Ben Smith in the one point win over England in Dunedin.

The All Blacks won the Test 28-27 to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the best of three series.

Smith ran down England winger Manu Tuilagi after he grabbed an intercept on the England 22 and appeared set for an 80-metre try.

Smith made the tackle and turned over the ball which led to an All Black penalty just before half time.

England led 10-6 at the break.

Smith was playing his first Test in the All Blacks No.15 jersey in his 28th appearance for the national side.

He described the tackle as lucky.

Hansen says with injury to regular fullback Israel Dagg, Smith has seized his opportunity to impress.