Forget McCaw and Carter, Conrad Smith holds the key to All Blacks | Rajiv Maharaj

Write off aging warhorse Richie McCaw and prolific kicker Dan Carter at your peril; but the heartbeat of the All Blacks’ World Cup hopes might lie elsewhereWho’s the most important player for the All Blacks’ defence of the Rugby World Cup? Many would nominate either if not both of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter (provided they hit peak form come September, of which All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has little doubt). Some might even say Beauden Barrett is the man to watch. Indeed, all three players might feature prominently. But, for this column, there can only be one name on the list - Conrad Smith.T…