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Cape Town - The Highlanders are hopeful that All Blacks fullback Ben Smith will be available for selection for Friday’s quarter-final against the Crusaders.
Kick-off is at 09:35 SA time.
Smith’s hamstring injury was close to seeing him play against the Waratahs at the weekend, but he didn’t quite make it. He was feeling better this week than last so there was a good chance he would be available for the Christchurch showdown.
The 33-year-old trained on Monday and Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett revealed that he could return to action this weekend.
“No new injuries, which is great, so we’re in pretty good shape from that perspective,” Hammett said.
“Bender’s better than he was last week and he was very close last week so we’re hoping he’ll be available.”
South Africa's Jaco Peyper will referee the match.
The winner of the clash will face the winner of the quarter-final between the Hurricanes and Bulls, in the semi-finals.
