Aaron Smith returns ahead of schedule

All Black 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.

Having initially been ruled out for four-to-six weeks with an ankle injury that he sustained against the Blues in round six, Smith has returned ahead of schedule after sporting a moon boot in the early stages of his recovery.

The 30-year-old's presence within the match day squad will be a big boost for a struggling Highlanders that haven't won a Super Rugby match in almost two months.

Smith is joined on the 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.

Jackson Hemopo, returns at lock to partner Tom Franklin while Sio Tomkinson takes the place of Rob Thompson who is unavailable for family reasons this week.

“Nuggy and Luke have both worked incredibly hard to make themselves available and their return this week provides the team with a bit of a boost. We are aware of the challenges the Blues will bring on Saturday, all the NZ conference games bring a high degree of intensity” said Head Coach, Aaron Mauger.