Smith to make presence felt

Self-effacing centre Conrad Smith reckons enthusiasm is more important than any other attribute he will bring to the All Blacks in tomorrow's second rugby test against France in Wellington.

Injected alongside long-time Hurricanes and New Zealand teammate Ma'a Nonu, there is a feeling that the heads-up skill of Smith was a missing element in last Saturday's 22-27 loss to France.

The exciting but fallible Isaia Toeava drops to the reserves in the only change to the backline that struggled at Carisbrook but Smith warned not to expect miracles.

"I'm a pretty enthusiastic sort of guy, I know I'll bring a lot of energy," said Smith, who has recovered from a hamstring strain to line up for his 25th test.

"It's the way I have to play to make up for some other limitations in my game.

"The team just have to step it up a level and bring an edge we didn't have on Saturday night."

France's only backline change is also at centre, where Maxime Mermoz replaces defensive bulwark Mathieu Bastareaud.

Smith had seen enough footage of Mermoz to realise the two players were like chalk and cheese.

He reckoned the slimline Perpignan 22-year-old could have slotted into the expressive French backlines of yesteryear that Smith grew up admiring.

"I loved the attitude and flair they (France) brought to the game, it was nice for a guy like myself who was always a lot smaller than everyone else. It was encouraging."

He said Nonu's presence made for a "comfortable" return to the black jersey.

"He's a player I've spent a lot of time with so slotting back, it doesn't feel like I've been out for long or missed much.

"We're confident we can fix the things that let us down last week."

Smith made a crucial break the last time the All Blacks played at his home ground a year ago, setting up winger Sitiveni Sivivatu in the narrow defeat of Ireland.

Backs coach Wayne Smith said those around Smith shouldn't treat him as "the messiah" upon return although coach Graham Henry reckoned the silky No 13 would make an instant impact.

"He's a very experienced centre, he's got a combination with Ma'a Nonu," Henry said.

"He's a talker, he's a leader and he's had very good form right though the year.

"It's good to have an experienced player like that come back, we hoped he was going to be ready."