New Zealand full-back Ben Smith says the squad's more experienced campaigners have played a key role in guiding the All Blacks to the Rugby World Cup final.

Steve Hansen's side booked their place in Saturday's Twickenham showpiece with a 20-18 victory against South Africa over the weekend and Australia now stand between them and the defence of their title.

With a squad featuring the likes of captain Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock, there is no doubting the All Blacks' big-game pedigree.

That quintet boast 609 Test caps between them and Smith - playing at his first World Cup at the age of 29 - says their input is invaluable.

"They see the game really well," he said. "They give us the right advice so that we can go out there and do our job as well as we can as players.

"It's great to have them on the field."

Carter played a crucial role in seeing off the Springboks, with his drop goal early in the second half proving to be a turning point as New Zealand turned around a 12-7 half-time deficit.

"He [Carter] was great [on Saturday]," added Smith. "He put us in the right areas of the field and I think managing to get that territory at the end of the game gave us a better chance of winning the match."