It will be the Smith show for the Highlanders tomorrow night and the youngest of the lot has received a big endorsement from his coach.
Highlanders captain Ben Smith comes back into the side after a couple of weeks away because of concussion and he will join his regular namesake, Aaron Smith.
Otago first five-eighth Fletcher Smith joins the trifecta of namesakes in the side. The University pivot is set to make his starting debut.
With Lima Sopoaga ruled out of the side for between six and eight weeks because of a hamstring strain and the coaches preferring Marty Banks to come off the bench, Smith gets the start.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown has full faith in the youngest Smith and has compared him with one of the most exciting backs in the competition.
"He has known since Monday he is going to play so he has had a full week’s preparation and put a lot of hard work into preparing," Brown said.
"Now it is about him and having confidence in his ability, because he has got ability, and go and show the rest of New Zealand how he is.
"I think he is probably the most skilful guy going around New Zealand in how fast his hand speed is. And he has got real speed. He is probably as quick as Damian McKenzie.
"Those two kids used to play against each other in Christchurch not so long ago, so I suppose for Fletcher, he has not had as many opportunities as those other boys, so I guess it’s his turn now."
Ben Smith had passed all his concussion tests and his return was welcomed by Brown.
"It is a big positive for us ... we know what he can do on the field but the biggest plus he gives us is just confidence for the team and especially the young guys.
"They can go out there and know Ben Smith is there. Most players play well when Ben Smith is out on the field."
Brown confirmed winger Waisake Naholo would be out for between four and six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury last week.
Lock Alex Ainley took a bang to the head and is replaced by Joe Wheeler, while prop Siua Halanukonuka is carrying a shoulder injury.
The side has a full team — 15 players — injured but Brown said the side was just looking forward and getting on with the season.
Players who came in wanted to play for the side and do well, which was exactly what the coach wanted.
"There is always young guys available in New Zealand rugby ... Everyone in our squad wants to pull on the jersey and represent us and do well for us."
Otago flanker Dillon Hunt, who has played only five games for Otago, starts the game at openside in what completes a swift rise for the surveying student.
The Hurricanes have replaced the injured Nehe Milner-Skudder with youngster Jordie Barrett, while Ardie Savea moves to No8 and Callum Gibbins comes into the side.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Wellington, tomorrow, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Fletcher Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Sekonaia Pole, Aki Seiuli, Guy Millar, Jackson Hemopo, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks, Matt Faddes
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Mark Abbott, Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, Dane Coles (captain), Chris Eves. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May, Mike Kainga, Sam Lousi, Reed Prinsep, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Wes Goosen