One long chase ended perfectly for Ben Smith in the second Test against England and his patient pursuit of the All Blacks fullback jersey looks headed the same way.

Smith was the standout player in the 28-27 win in Dunedin on Saturday, scoring the first of New Zealand’s three tries in the decisive third quarter.

He was constantly effective with his broken field running, coveting the extra space in his first Test start at fullback after 27 caps at wing, centre or as a reserve.

His most important deed was a length-of-the-field pursuit of winger Manu Tuilagi, who looked set to put England 15-3 ahead on the stroke of halftime after scooping a loose ball close to his own tryline.

Smith not only lowered the hulking Tuilagi but sprung to his feet to effect a turnover which ultimately led to a New Zealand penalty back at the other end.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen described the play as “sensational” and a turning point in the game’s momentum as they went into the break just 10-6 down.

“It just mirrored what he’s been doing at Super Rugby at fullback. He’s been waiting a long time to get an opportunity and he seized it,” Hansen said.

The 29-year-old was typically modest about his Tuilagi heroics, believing luck played a part in lowering a player weighing 12kg more than his slimline frame.

“It could have gone either way. He could have swatted me away and I’d be laying on the ground,” Smith said.

“I just wanted to give it the best crack I could and luckily enough he managed to fall down.”

Smith should get another shot at fullback in the third Test at Hamilton on Saturday, with regular No.15 Israel Dagg likely to be ruled out again with a knee niggle.