Rugby: Ben Smith returns for Highlanders

Fullback Ben Smith has returned to the run-on team for the Highlanders to take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

In other changes Tamati Ellison moves from fullback to centre in place of Phil Burleigh who drops out of the 22.

On the reserves bench, Tongan international Siale Piutau makes a return to the 22 after an ankle injury.

Highlanders v Cheetahs, Bloemfontein, Saturday 28 April, 5.05pm (3.05am NZT).

Forwards: Jamie Mackintosh (C), Andrew Hore, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Adam Thomson, James Haskell, Nasi Manu.

Backs: Aaron Smith, Mike Delany, Hosea Gear, Shaun Treeby, Tamai Ellison, Buxton Popoali'i, Ben Smith:

Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Ma'afu Fia, Culum Retallick, Doug Tietjens, Jimmy Cowan, Chris Noakes, Siale Piutau.