All Black Ben Smith is back in the Highlanders' lineup to take on the Crusaders in their Super Rugby quarter-final in Christchurch on Friday night.
Ben Smith had been sidelined with a hamstring injury for seven weeks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Smith will start at fullback after recovering from a hamstring strain which has kept him out for seven weeks.
He was expected to return last week against the Waratahs, but the Highlanders decided to give him extra time to recover.
The co-captain is one of just three changes to the Highlanders lineup with Sio Tomkinson replacing Tevita Li on the left wing.
An injured Ben Smith is tended to during the match against the Chiefs. Photo: Photosport
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 boost for the southern side as they attempt to upset the defending champions in Christchurch.
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 XV to take on the Crusaders:
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Liam Coltman
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Jackson Hemopo
5. Tom Franklin
6. Liam Squire
7. James Lentjes
8. Luke Whitelock (cc)
9. Aaron Smith
10. Josh Ioane
11 Patelesio Tomkinson
12. Teihorangi Walden
13. Rob Thompson
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith (cc)
16. Ash Dixon
17. Ayden Johnstone
18. Siate Tokolahi
19. Josh Dickson
20. Shannon Frizell
21. Kayne Hammington
22. Marty Banks
23. Elliot Dixon