Highlanders named for final home game of 2023

It’s the last home game for a legend and the Highlanders final home game for the season will have a very special feel to it as they farewell their most capped player ever, Aaron Smith.

Smith joined the club ago in 2011 and will clock up his 184^th game this Friday but all the record numbers won’t describe the real impact this mercurial player has had on the Highlanders. He has literally defined the halfback game over the last decade; competitive, fast, accurate and intuitive are all hallmarks of his game.

It is hard to imagine a Highlanders team without him, such is his influence on the way they play. His passion for the game is obvious and is there for all to see and is probably why he is such a crowd favourite wherever he plays in the world.

He has earned respect from his teammates and peers around the globe and although this maybe his last appearance at Forsyth Barr Stadium in a Highlanders jersey, his skill and undeniable class will live on for a long, long time in the memories of those that were fortunate enough to see him play.

In times to come whenever there is a discussion about the Highlanders best ever player, his name will always be in the conversation.

Highlander v Reds – 7.05pm, Friday 26^th May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Andrew Makalio
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Pari Pari Parkinson
5. Max Hicks
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Billy Harmon (C)
8. Hugh Renton
9. Aaron Smith
10. Freddie Burns
11. Jona Nareki
12. Sam Gilbert
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Mitch Hunt

Reserves: 16. Rhys Marshall 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown 18. Saula Ma’u 19. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u 20. Sean Withy 21. Folau Fakatava 22. Connor Garden-Bachop 23. Scott Gregory

Not Available due to injury: Vili Koroi (knee) Marty Banks (groin) Jeff Thwaites (back) Josh Timu (leg) Jake Te Hiwi (ankle) Cameron Millar (ankle) Fabian Holland (hamstring) Josh Dickson (concussion) Will Tucker (concussion)

ENDS