Ben Smith to make rugby return after five months away

Ben Smith of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty

All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith will make his return to rugby as his Highlanders outfit take on the NSW Waratahs in Friday's pre-season clash in Queenstown.

Star fullback Smith, capped 64 times by New Zealand, hasn't played since helping his country to a last-gasp 35-29 win over Australia in late August.

He has since been on a rugby sabbatical.

But the 31-year-old will make his return in the navy and gold colours of the Highlanders in Queenstown, leading an inexperienced side.

With the side's incumbent Test players yet to return, halfback Josh Ioane and first five-eighth Josh Renton will start, with Teihorangi Walden at second-five.

Shannon Frizell, Dillon Hunt and Adam Knight make up the loose forward trio, while Aki Seiuli, Greg Pleasants-Tate and Tyrel Lomax are up front.

Team regulars including co-captain Ash Dixon, Fletcher Smith, Daniel Lienert- Brown, Tom Franklin and Tevita Li will start from an extended bench.

The game will be played over three 30-minute thirds.

HIGHLANDERS: Ben Smith (co-capt), Josh Timu, Terrance Hepetema, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Nabura, Josh Ioane, Josh Renton, Adam Knight, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Tyrel Lomax, Greg Pleasants- Tate, Aki Seiuli.

RESERVES: Ash Dixon (co-capt), Guy Millar, Kalolo Tuiloma, Siate Tokolahi, Jackson Hemopo, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Ryan Tongia, Flynn Thomas, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tom Franklin, Dan Pryor, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Rob Thompson, Matt Faddes, Tevita Li, Josh McKay.

- NZN

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