Rugby: Highlanders move Smith to centre

All Black winger Ben Smith will start in the midfield for the Highlanders against the Brumbies on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

Highlanders outsdie back Ben Smith gets to showcase his versatility after being named at centre for the Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

Smith moves in one spot from the wing after centre Kenny Lynn was ruled out with a groin strain, a new position for last year's All Blacks tourist, who is also capable of playing fullback.

James Paterson comes in on the right wing in one of two starting changes from the side who toppled the Waratahs 26-10 in Invercargill last Friday. The other has prop Bronson Murray starting at tighthead in place of Clint Newland, who is nursing a back strain.

The 12th-placed Highlanders can play spoilers for another Australian team, with the sixth-placed Brumbies requiring victory to keep their semifinal prospects alive.

Highlanders
Israel Dagg, James Paterson, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Matt Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Bronson Murray, Jason Rutledge, Chris King.

Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Keith Cameron, Joe Tuineau, John Hardie, Scott Cowan, Robbie Robinson, Jayden Hayward

- NZPA