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Cape Town - Highlanders captain Ben Smith will play his 150th game for the Dunedin-based franchise when they tackle the Crusaders in a South Island derby in Christchurch on Friday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 09:35 (SA time).
The All Blacks fullback, who is Highlander No 160, made his franchise debut in 2009 and debuted later that year for the national side.
According to the Highlanders’ official website, Smith has scored 190 points for the southern-most club.
Head coach Aaron Mauger was full of praise for his captain: “It’s difficult to fully express Bender’s contribution to this team and the club over the years, it really is incalculable. He is the ultimate professional in how he conducts himself on and off the field and a great inspiration to any player. It’s fantastic he has reached the 150th game mark; a milestone Ben and his family can be very proud of.”
Teams:
Crusaders
15 David Havili, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody
Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan
Highlanders
15
Ben Smith (captain), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi
Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Elliot Dixon,
7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Pari Pari
Parkinson, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Substitutes: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Jackson Hemopo, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Sio Tomkinson
