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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
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Latest Comments
TBH I see SA slipping in this WC cycle Nick. France are never really a top side tho. They just cannot do the same thing consistantly. Ireland and England are more likely to become top sides than France even tho France can beat anyone on any given day. Having said that SA has a lot in their favour in this WC cycle. Hosting many tests like 2 this year v ABs, 4 in 2026 v ABs so in the 4 year cycle thats going to be 3 tests in NZ and 6 in SA.
Go to commentsWhat’s the bet that if Ireland lose we’ll have a bunch of people blaming Rob Kearney for it?
This might pizz the All Blacks off but it won’t make George Bell throw the ball any straighter or Rieko pass the ball to his wings more often.
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