Highlanders set to unleash Ben Smith against Crusaders
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Highlanders are set to be bolstered by the return of one of the biggest names in rugby for their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Christchurch.
Star fullback Ben Smith, who hasn’t played a game since the beginning of May because of a hamstring injury, took part in training on Monday and there is a good chance he could take the field against the Crusaders.
“No new injuries, which is great, so we’re in pretty good shape from that perspective,” Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett said.
“Bender’s [Ben Smith] better than he was last week and he was very close last week so we’re hoping he’ll be available.”
Smith was set to return against the Waratahs in Invercargill last weekend, but he was left out of the squad as a precaution.
Meanwhile, Highlanders prop Ayden Johnstone is doubtful for Friday’s quarterfinal. Johnstone hobbled off the field after 41 minutes against the Waratahs and if he is unable to play this week, his place in the starting XV will be taken by Daniel Lienert-Brown.
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*Meanwhile, hooker Liam Coltman was named Highlanders’ Player of the Year at the team’s awards evening after having had a standout season on defence and with the ball in hand.
Coltman shouldered a heavy workload starting in all but one of the regular season games. He is widely regarded as an industrious player with a big engine, he is also highly respected within the team, picking up the awards for Defender of the Year and the Players Player.
Another of the major awards was the coveted Highlander Man of the year. This award is an impressive claymore sword and is given to the player within the team that best embodies the values of the team, this year’s recipient was co-captain Ben Smith. As the team’s most capped player (152 games) and one of the best players the team has ever produced, the award was a fitting reward for over a decade of service to the Highlanders. Always a favourite of Highlander’s supporters Ben also received the distinction of being selected as the Fan Player of the year.
The Forward of the Year was Jackson Hemopo. Whether at six or lock Hemopo made his presence felt with his hard-charging runs and big hits in defence. His consistent form throughout the season made him hard to go past as the best forward in 2019.
The Back of the Year was the mercurial Aaron Smith who started the season in good form scoring a crucial try against the Chiefs in round one and then after a short break, due to injury, returned to spark the team again over the latter half of the season. His running and passing game are second to none and he continues to set the bar in regard to halfback play.
Rookie of the year was prop Ayden Johnstone who was involved in all bar one of the round robin games and was part of a well-performed front row with Coltman and Tyrel Lomax. In his first year of Super Rugby he certainly made an impression and looks to have a bright future in front of him.
Other winners on the night were Aki Seiuli as the Community Champ for his promotional work amongst the community and Dillon Hunt for Excellence in Personal Development.
Source: stuff.co.nz
