1
Aaron Smith returns as Highlanders look to secure Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final spot
By Alex McLeod
Highlanders co-captain Aaron Smith as returned to the franchise's starting lineup ahead of their must-win clash against the Brumbies in Canberra this weekend.
With a place in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final on the line, the Highlanders have left no stone unturned as they have named a full-strength side to take on the Super Rugby AU runners-up at GIO Stadium on Friday.
In doing so, interim head coach Clarke Dermody has reinstated Smith into the No 9 jersey after the seasoned veteran was rested during last week's 59-23 thumping of the Waratahs in Dunedin.
The 32-year-old takes the place of Kayne Hammington, who is demoted to the bench after celebrating his 50th appearance for the Highlanders against the Waratahs.
That alteration is one of only two changes made to the starting lineup, with the other coming in the loose forwards as Hugh Renton has been named at blindside flanker in place of ex-captain James Lentjes, who has dropped to the bench.
Hammington and Lentjes are two of three new faces in the reserves, with loosehead prop Ayden Johnstone the only other newbie on the pine as he swaps in for Daniel Lienert-Brown.
The Highlanders currently sit in second place heading into the final round of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman but are level on competition points with the third-placed Crusaders.
Having beaten their opponents by an aggregate margin of 11 points more than the Crusaders thus far in the competition, the Highlanders hold a slight advantage over their South Island rivals, who will square off against the Rebels in Sydney on Saturday.
That leaves Dermody's side within touching distance of what would be their first final since their maiden title-winning season six years ago.
However, a bonus point win against the Brumbies in the Australian capital - which is no easy task, as was exemplified when they dispatched the Hurricanes in front of their home fans last week - will be crucial to cementing their place in the final.
Even then, the Highlanders will be relying on the Crusaders to not usurp their slender points differential lead against the Rebels, but time will only tell if the Dunedin-based franchise have done enough to feature in next Saturday's final.
Highlanders team to play the Brumbies
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Ash Dixon (co-c)
3. Siate Tokolahi
4. Bryn Evans
5. Pari Pari Parkinson
6. Hugh Renton
7. Billy Harmon
8. Kazuki Himeno
9. Aaron Smith (co-c)
10. Mitch Hunt
11. Jona Nareki
12. Scott Gregory
13. Michael Collins
14. Patelesio Tomkinson
15. Josh Ioane
Reserves:
16. Liam Coltman
17. Ayden Johnstone
18. Josh Hohneck
19. Josh Dickson
20. James Lentjes
21. Kayne Hammington
22. Sam Gilbert
23. Teariki Ben-Nicholas
Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments