Ben Smith returns to Highlanders line-up for quarter-finals against Crusaders

Highlanders have received a much-needed boost ahead of their Super Rugby quarter-final clash against Crusaders with New Zealand international Ben Smith declared fit.

Smith has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines since the start of May and will hope to sign off from the club on a high after deciding to move to Pau at the end of the World Cup.

The 33-year-old has been named at fullback with George Bridge returning at number 11 in the place of Tevita Li, who misses out with a knee injury.

The final change sees Dan Lienert-Brown swapping place with Ayden Johnstone to be the preferred hooker as Highlanders hope to keep hope of winning their first Super Rugby title since 2015 alive.

Highlanders starting line-up: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Patelesio Tomkinson, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith; 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).

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Elliot Dixon.