Ben Smith's timing is as immaculate as ever for the Highlanders, who have included the fit-again All Blacks fullback in their team to face the Crusaders in the Super Rugby quarter-finals.
Smith has recovered from the hamstring injury that threatened to prematurely end his Highlanders career and will start in Friday's match in Christchurch.
The 33-year-old's 152nd Super Rugby match against the Chiefs seven weeks ago seemed to be his last, as the Highlanders stumbled over the closing rounds.
But a thumping 49-12 win over the Waratahs in the final round last week and some favourable results elsewhere handed them the eighth and lowest playoff spot, and an unenviable assignment to topple the top-qualifying Crusaders.
Smith, who has signed for French club Pau next season, is co-captain of a Highlanders team at close to full strength.
Seven All Blacks feature in the starting XV, including flanker Liam Squire, who has impressed in his two appearances, since overcoming long-term injury problems.
Highlanders: 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 (co-capt), 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Josh Ioane, 11-Tavita Li, 12-Patelesio Tomkinson, 13-Rob Thompson, 14-Waisake Naholo, 15-Ben Smith (co-capt),
Reserves: 16-Ash Dixon, 17-Sef Fa'agase, 18-Siate Tokolahi, 19-Josh Dickson, 20-Shannon Frizell, 21-Kayne Hammington, 22-Marty Banks, 23-Elliot Dixon
AAP
Join us at 7:30pm Friday for live updates of the Crusaders v Highlanders Super Rugby quarter-final
