Steve Hansen: 'Ben Smith can play centre'

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes that winger Ben Smith has the ability to make the switch to centre.

The winger scored eight tries during the recent Rugby Championship, which New Zealand won after beating South Africa, but Hansen hinted that he could be the man to step up and provide an alternative to Conrad Smith in midfield.

He told reporters: "We've always said we need to find another centre.

"Conrad has been the one and only for a long time and now's the time to do that."

New Zealand will look to hold on to the Bledisloe Cup as they face Australia on Saturday.