Rugby: Steve Hansen reveals regrets over not selecting Ben Smith for All Blacks’ 2019 World Cup semifinal

Steve Hansen regrets not picking Ben Smith for the 2019 World Cup semifinal.

Ben Smith has written a book about his international career. He was a substitute for the last two matches of the World Cup and the semifinal against England. Steve Hansen regrets not picking him for that match. Smith also talks about the Highlanders' poor season in 2013. He forgot after one head knock that his wife was pregnant with their third child. The Highlands finished second-last with just three wins. They had recruited an all-star squad. It was expected they would perform well. But they didn't. In the book, Steve admits he got a selection wrong. His regrets include not choosing Smith for semifinals.