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Aaron Smith makes surprise return to Highlanders for Blues derby

Aaron Smith. Photo / Getty Images.

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.

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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.

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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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tp 2 hours ago
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions

Principle and practically I agree with your perspective, Nick. Expansion of teams was supposed to bring in extra players from across Vic / WA and provide a home for fringe NSW / QLD players (aka the Brumbies…) , more players, more revenue etc. and while there are exceptions, the numbers didn’t come through as per the respective business plans of the day. Unfortunately meaning ARU / RA could no longer practically afford to the fund their expansion principle. Finger can be pointed everywhere, but we are where we are and so to an eye to the future… really looking forward to Super Rugby this year. Reds have bolstered well off a base of stability, tahs have (by necessity) completely reset the coaches box and have a front row / back row and back 3 that will be fascinating, brumbies trusting their pathways of youngsters coming through and force have recruited well, just wish they had a bit more fire power. With regards to next few years, RA now forced to live within it’s means and no longer handing out monster deals (JAS a legacy of the old regime), unfortunately means likes of Mark Nawa departing, but instead that money now locking a lot more of the u18-u20 talent and giving them a lot more games, of which we won’t see on the international stage until RWC and beyond. Fingers crossed the injury gods are friendly to wallabies for Lions tour (can’t help but think it’s a year too soon), but plenty of talent coming through for RWC, in both tight 5 and inside backs.

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