Ben Smith to return for Highlanders?

David Skippers

The Highlanders are hopeful that All Blacks full-back Ben Smith will be available for selection for Friday’s quarter-final against the Crusaders.

Smith’s recovery from a hamstring injury saw him come close to playing against the Waratahs at the weekend but he didn’t quite make it. He was feeling better this week than last so there is a good chance he would be available for the Christchurch showdown.

The 33-year-old trained on Monday and Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett revealed that he could return to action this weekend.

“No new injuries, which is great, so we’re in pretty good shape from that perspective,” Hammett said.

“Bender’s better than he was last week and he was very close last week so we’re hoping he’ll be available.”