Highlanders handed Ben Smith boost for Crusaders challenge
May 19, 2018 - Sydney, NSW, U.S. - SYDNEY, NSW - MAY 19: Highlanders player Ben Smith gets the ball away at week 14 of the Super Rugby between The Waratahs and Highlanders on May 19, 2018 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, NSW.(Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire) (Credit Image: © Speed Media/Icon SMI via ZUMA Press)
All Blacks stalwart Ben Smith returns to the Highlanders XV for their clash against the Crusaders in one of two backline changes for the Super Rugby quarter-final in Christchurch.
Smith returns to full-back after a lengthy injury break while Tevita Li makes way for Patelesio Tomkinson on the left wing in the only other alteration.
Smith, the Highlanders’ most capped player, has been working hard to get back on the field over the last six weeks and his timely return will be a boost for the southern side as they prepare to take on the Crusaders on Friday night.
Elsewhere, Daniel Lienert-Brown rotates with Ayden Johnstone in the front-row and the 6/2 forward/back split is maintained on the bench.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Patelesio Tomkinson, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock (cc), 7 James Lentjes, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Elliot Dixon
Date: Friday, June 21
Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)