Conrad Smith will put the All Blacks first

ANDY JACKSON/Taranaki Daily News

ROLE REVERSAL? With Sonny Bill Williams confirming he will commit to New Zealand rugby, All Blacks centre Conrad Smith is preparing for possible changes to his role.

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Conrad Smith would concede his test spot to Sonny Bill Williams if it meant the All Blacks would win next year's World Cup.

With Williams last night confirming that he was committing to chasing a berth in the All Blacks for next year's World Cup, Smith cautioned against expectations that he would breeze into rugby's test arena.

"I find it funny that people say to me you wouldn't want him coming," the 28-year-old said as he prepared for his 34th test against Ireland.

"I'd love the guy to come. If it means him helping out the All Blacks cause, then I'm happy to have him involved.

"If he's going to be a good rugby player, then I desperately want him to come back to New Zealand. I don't want him to do it up in [France].

"For me it's the All Black thing. You talk about the World Cup and when you come into this team most of the egos go. For myself I want the All Blacks to win the World Cup and whether I'm involved or not that comes second.

"If he's going to help us do that and, as I say, it's a massive call because him coming to New Zealand, it's the right call, but it's going to be a big step for him."

Williams said former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga had been a key inspiration in his decision to commit to New Zealand rugby. However, he did not reveal which teams he would be playing for in the national provincial championship and next year's Super 15. But Counties-Manukau, where Umaga is an assistant coach, and the Crusaders are favoured.

Unselfishly, Smith is even encouraging Williams to continue to push his claims at centre – despite the potential challenge it would present to his own place in the All Blacks.

"From what I've seen in league, I'd say he'd be more suited to centre [than second-five] but I don't think it's easy, that transfer.

"Only a couple [have succeeded]. You look at Brad Thorn and Lote Tuqiri probably, but I think wing's a lot easier because the similarities in the two codes are there. For Thorny, even he ended up taking four or five years.

"I think the expectations on him [Williams] to just fit in are pretty high and that's something he will have to deal with."

Smith said he had not seen many of Williams' matches for Toulon but had heard positive things from former teammates who played against him in Europe.

Williams would have a positive impact wherever he chose to play, Smith said. "There's enough interest in the ITM Cup already and I think that's just going to fuel it. You sense New Zealand's starting to enjoy that rugby again, so him coming back would be awesome."

And as far as Smith considering a similar code switch, you get the feeling the chances are remote at best.

"League? I don't know. I played a bit at school when the first XV used to transfer and play a bit. I don't know, it's not quite me. I love the physicality of it, but I think it's a bit too simple."

- © Fairfax NZ News