Dallaglio wary of Smith's influence

Lawrence Dallaglio believes the former Northampton coach, Wayne Smith, will play a big part in the All Blacks' preparations for next Saturday's first Test against England in Dunedin.

Lawrence Dallaglio believes the former Northampton coach, Wayne Smith, will play a big part in the All Blacks' preparations for next Saturday's first Test against England in Dunedin.

Smith left the Saints after the Premiership semi-final defeat to Dallaglio's Wasps, to take up his role as an assistant to the new All Blacks coach, Graham Henry. Smith's arrival completed a coaching triumvirate which will provide the home side with priceless insights into Clive Woodward's England side ahead of the two-Test series.

Henry coached Wales between 1998 and 2002 and the British Lions on their 2001 tour of Australia. Steve Hansen will look after the forwards following his own stint in Wales while Smith ­ who held the All Blacks' top job before heading north ­ is concerned with the backs. Smith had tourists Matt Dawson, Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson under his wing at Northampton and Dallaglio is mindful of the impact he could have on the outcome of the series.

"We obviously know about Graham and Steve, but if you're talking about inside knowledge then Wayne knows every England player intimately from his time with Northampton," the England captain said.

"Wayne knows full well the quality of the squad we have brought over here and although some of the names might not be that well known, he is sure to be pointing out the strengths and weakness of the various players to his guys."

After playing the All Blacks, England travel to Brisbane to play Australia on 26 June.