Smith set to equal Highlanders record
Highlanders co-captain and All Blacks stalwart Ben Smith has overcome an ankle complaint and will start his Super Rugby side’s clash with the Waratahs in Dunedin tomorrow night.
The 30-year-old Smith has struggled for game time in 2017 after suffering a concussion in round one against the Chiefs and then an ankle strain in last month’s 57-14 thumping of the Stormers.
He missed his side’s perfect tour of South Africa and Perth as a result, and has made just six appearances this season.
But the 60-cap fullback has been named to start tomorrow, in what will be a record-equalling 127th Highlanders appearance and a key step towards full fitness for next month’s Lions test series in New Zealand.
He’ll likely overtake Anton Oliver as the club’s most-capped player in next week’s clash with the unbeaten Crusaders.
Elsewhere, loose forward Luke Whitelock returns from injury to pull on the No 8 jumper, allowing Elliot Dixon to move back to his preferred blindside role.
Waisake Naholo also slots straight back into the side after a one-match ban for his red card against the Bulls, while star halfback Aaron Smith will return to the run-on side after being rested last week.
Test first-five Lima Sopoaga retains his spot on the bench after making his comeback in Perth last weekend from a hamstring tear.
He’ll be joined on the pine by Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown and Joe Wheeler but not Liam Squire, who continues his rehabilitation on a broken thumb.
The Waratahs have endured a poor campaign and have won just four games, but Highlanders coach Tony Brown said his side would be on red alert against a side which still contains many Australian representatives.
“I know the players are all really looking forward to the challenge against a Waratahs side that includes so many Wallabies players,” Brown said. “It should be a good contest.
“It’s always good to be home under the roof in front of our home fans, especially after being away for so long.”