Cape Town - Highlanders fullback Ben Smith will be the All Blacks’ vice-captain for the 2016 season.
According to the Stuff.co.nz website, Smith will be Kieran Read's official deputy for the back-to-back world champions when they launch the post-Richie McCaw era in the June Test series against Wales.
The 29-year-old Highlanders co-captain and 48-Test All Black is at the peak of his powers as a player and thriving as the principal leader with the defending Super Rugby champions.
He has been a regular All Blacks starter since 2013 and took ownership of the fullback position in 2014.