The Highlanders’ hopes of upsetting the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs on Saturday have taken an enormous hit, with captain Aaron Smith set to be ruled out.
The Highlanders confirmed on Friday evening that the All Blacks halfback has suffered a groin injury, and was “in doubt”.
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Aaron Smith passes the ball against the Force in Dunedin last month.
Given the nature of the injury, Smith is highly unlikely to play – and may take two or three weeks to fully recover for the All Blacks’ series against Ireland in July.
Groin injuries are notoriously niggly, particularly for players who kick the ball a lot and generate a lot of force through their bodies to pass the ball.
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Folau Fakatava is likely to take Smith’s place in the Highlanders starting side, with Kayne Hammington moving to the bench.
Smith’s untimely injury sums up the Highlanders’ year, when they have been unable to get their best players on the field together.
Co-captain James Lentjes had already been ruled out of the Blues game, joining fellow back-rowers Gareth Evans and Christian Lio-Willie on the sidelines.
Lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit is also missing as he makes his way back from a knee injury, with No 10 Mitch Hunt has not played since being knocked out in the game against the Force last month.
Hookers Liam Coltman and Rhys Marshall are also missing through injury, while No 10 Sam Gilbert is absent through suspension.
Those losses hit hard, particularly as big lock Pari Pari Parkinson and Jona Nareki, the Highlanders’ best wing, were ruled out with long-term knee injuries before the campaign even began.
On Thursday, Highlanders coach Tony Brown acknowledged the challenge facing his side.
“When I first started playing for Otago and the Highlanders, the Blues were always the team that was tough to beat, especially when you’re going up to Eden Park,” he said.
“It’s no different. I remember in ‘95 when we played the final up there for Otago when they had 13 All Blacks.
“We came just a little bit short on a penalty try. Back in those days, the Otago sides and the Highlanders sites just used to give it everything that they had.
“They weren’t afraid of taking on the Blues. This weekend, we’ve got to be the same. We’ve got to give it everything, and we can’t be afraid of their team.
“If it’s good enough at the end of the day, then we win the game. And if it’s not, I’ll still be proud of the effort and the preparation.”
Smith has proven remarkably durable during his long career, rarely missing a game for either the All Blacks or the Highlanders, but at 33 years old he will be keen to get on top of this injury to hit the ground running for the series against Ireland.
He remains the best halfback in New Zealand, but the position has become increasingly competitive with the rise of Fakatava and the Blues’ Finlay Christie.
The All Blacks squad will be named on June 13.
