That nice kid Smith from Dunedin keeps low-profile

Ben Smith

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Ben Smith almost could have walked through the waiting media contingent unnoticed.

Two weeks into the All Blacks' end-of-year tour, and two months after being named in the squad, Smith remained a curious mystery.

Even old sports hacks were asking the question: "Who is this guy?"

He's the Otago fullback who had a blinder against Waikato during the NPC. He's the skinny dude who was the Highlanders' rookie of the year after last year's Super 14.

Smith, the kid who spent a gap year in Bristol in 2005. He worked part-time at the local intermediate school and played for the Old Colstonians RFC in the Gloucester premier league.

His dad's Stu, a rep for Placemakers in Dunedin and his mum, Karen, is a homestay co-ordinator looking after international students.

They took him to Filadelfio's pizza restaurant to celebrate when he was named in the All Blacks, and they're in Europe for the Wales, Italy and France tests.

He went to Kings High School and mainly played fullback, was brilliant under the high ball and a good kicker. A bit small though.

Smith discovered a new flavour of creamed rice in Cardiff and reckons he should import it into New Zealand.

He wants to be 95kg, but reckons he's done pretty well to get from 80kg to 90kg in the past two years.

His partner is Katie Menzies. You know – the triathlete who went to the world champs on the Gold Coast this year.

The couple are heading home through Los Angeles and Las Vegas after the tour.

Menzies was a handy basketballer, a New Zealand under-21 representative, like Smith was in rugby.

He played against the Canadian team a few years back in Hamilton. The New Zealanders lost 21-18 after a late penalty.

Smith made the Otago rugby team in 2007 and the Highlanders a year later. Scored four tries last year.

Smith took six months off varsity this year to concentrate on rugby, but he started studying again in the second semester. Wants to get a physical education degree.

Apparently, he'll be the 12th Smith to wear the black jersey.

Yeah, I know the guy. Nice kid.

- © Fairfax NZ News