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Aaron Smith makes surprise return to Highlanders for Blues derby
By Online Editors
Star halfback Aaron Smith has made a shock return from injury to be named on the bench for the Highlanders' clash against the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.
Initially ruled out for four-to-six weeks with an ankle injury that he sustained in the Auckland edition of this derby a few weeks ago, Smith has returned earlier than expected after sporting a moon boot in the early stages of his recovery.
The 30-year-old was seen training freely in Dunedin this week without any apparent concern for his ankle, and his presence within the match day squad will be a big boost for a struggling Highlanders that hasn't tasted victory in Super Rugby in almost two months.
Smith is joined on the reserves bench by fellow returning All Black and Highlanders co-captain Luke Whitelock, who missed last week's 43-17 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch due to a calf injury that he picked up in the previous week's defeat to the Hurricanes.
The duo add depth a strong side named by head coach Aaron Mauger, which features six All Blacks in the starting lineup, including hooker Liam Coltman, who signed a two-year contract extension with New Zealand Rugby on Tuesday, and lock Jackson Hemopo, who replaces Pari Pari Parkinson in the second row.
The only other change to the starting side comes in the midfield, with hard-hitting centre Sio Tomkinson replacing Rob Thompson and youngster Thomas Umaga-Jensen filling the gap on the bench as the franchise's midfield merry-go-round continues.
A victory for the 14th-placed Highlanders will extend their tenure as holders of the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy for another year after claiming it in 2012, while the Blues will be searching for their first-ever win at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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