Ben Smith is my kind of fullback, says Joubert

Andre Joubert sees a bit of Christian Cullen in Ben Smith, which explains his affection towards the Highlanders fullback.

In his 34 Springbok tests, the Rolls- Royce of South African rugby made the complex fullback role look easy.

Maybe that explains why the incumbent All Black number 15, Ben Smith, is his kind of fullback.

The languid yet explosive 28-year-old South Islander has all but displaced North Islander Israel Dagg, but Joubert said the 26-year-old's minor injuries that have set him back should not be much of a worry for the All Blacks.

"Smith has great skill, has great vision, allied with a superb kicking game. I see him as my kind of fullback and he has taken advantage of the void left by Dagg. At this point in time he is ahead of Dagg. However, once Dagg gets past his injury woes he will be a handful," Joubert said.

All Black ace Cullen and Australian goal-kicking maestro Matthew Burke were Joubert's main contemporaries in his prime, adding spice to the developing rivalry between Willie le Roux, Smith and Israel Folau.

Like Joubert, Le Roux is left-footed, with Folau and Smith right-footed.

Joubert said the marked change in fullback play from his era was the extensive use of the high ball.

"Our eras are pretty much the same as the fullback position has not changed, because we are one rugby species which is not affected much by constant rule changes. The use of the high ball has been more prominent, but when put on the same pedestal a good fullback will always have an effect on the game, not just by sitting at the back and waiting for the ball," Joubert said.

How Joubert graded the rivals:

Le Roux: His weakness is his relatively small size, but his skill makes up for that and he has a left foot, which always helps out. He tends to chip too much and he is a bit of an individual player. His great attributes are his vision of the game and his spatial awareness.

Folau: He uses his strength and size to its maximum potential and he is an excellent ball player. His one glaring weakness is his kicking game. He is susceptible when the ball is kicked behind him. He always tries to run himself out of trouble.

Smith: He is one of those players who can run from anywhere. He could be caught out when competing in the air against bigger players.

Joubert's overall verdict: They all have excellent qualities, but if you take out size, Smith and Le Roux are quality.