Former New Zealand international Ben Smith has played down rumours of returning to his former side Highlanders ahead of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

New Zealand vice-captain Ben Smith is expecting a strong performance from their trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the Bledisloe Cup match that kicks-off on Saturday in Sydney.

All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith has confirmed that he will be taking a four-month sabbatical following the upcoming back to back Rugby Championship clashes against Australia next month.

The Highlanders have thumped the Chiefs 36-9 in Super Rugby Round 16 in Invercargill, despite never beating the Chiefs there and only just returning from their South Africa tour.

Despite making a prolific start to his New Zealand career on the wing with 12 tries in 21 matches including eight in the 2013 Rugby Championship, Ben Smith is set to play the rest of the season at outside centre. But is this the right way for the All Blacks to go?