Richard BuckmanHighlanders captain Ben Smith is out for this week's game against the Crusaders and it may lead to the return of a long-time absentee. Smith left the field in the first half of last Friday night's game against the Chiefs after falling heavily from the air and suffering a concussion. Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett said yesterday the fullback would not play this week as he went through concussion protocols. Buckman spent the off-season at Japan playing for Panasonic after missing all of last year because of a shoulder injury. Hammett said nothing has yet been decided on who would captain the side to replace Smith but the team had plenty of options.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 28, 2017 17:11 UTC