All Blacks veteran, Ben Smith has defended his reputation and disagreed with All Blacks coach Steve Hansen's suggestion that his confidence levels had taken a hit before the Rugby World Cup.
Smith, speaking to media after the team trained in Tokyo yesterday, did not back down when asked whether he agreed with Hansen's assertion that he needed to reclaim his self belief before the test against Tonga in Hamilton earlier this month.
Smith, who has played 80 tests for the All Blacks, was quick to make it clear that he still had what was required to succeed at the highest level when asked if he had faith in himself to deliver when it mattered.
Smith says he had always believed in his ability and what he can do and he always backs himself to get out there and get the job done.
From the comments made by Hansen, it is unlikely that he will crack the starting side for the first World Cup pool game against South Africa at 9.45pm Saturday in Yokohama.
[Source: Stuff.co.Nz]
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