The Otago Daily Times understands Smith is keen to play but it depends on whether he gets permission from the All Black selectors.
"I can't confirm that but it is possible," Otago co-coach Andy Hunter said from Queenstown yesterday.
"We have to plan ahead on the basis that we won't have him. But if he does come back it will be a bonus for us."
Smith has not been named in the 28-strong squad travelling to Invercargill but All Black Tom Donnelly joined the team in Queenstown yesterday and has been named in the reserves.
Hunter did not know if Smith would be named in the All Black squad of 30 on Sunday.
"I don't know what advance warning the players get," he said.
"Whether Ben plays for us will depend on what he's told to do."
Captain Eben Joubert has recovered from his broken fingers and will lead the team in Invercargill.
"He was borderline to play last week but was advised by the medical staff to have another week off," Hunter said.
Glenn Dickson has been moved from fullback to second five-eighth and will be the starting goal-kicker.
Dickson has shown his versatility. He played at first five-eighth in club rugby, second five-eighth against North Otago and fullback against Tasman.
"He is a versatile player and has the ability to cover both positions," Hunter said.
"We are starting him at 12 against Southland.
" It is important that he gets time there to build the combination with Tony Brown."
University A's Matt Faddes is at fullback.
"It's exciting for him," Hunter said. "He has played two part games for us, has taken his chances since being added to the squad and is there on merit. The more he plays at this level the more comfortable he will be."
Hunter was happy with the form of the Otago team in its first two games when North Otago was beaten 78-9 and Tasman 45-19.
"We made a good start and want to continue to establish what we have worked on in the first two games.
"We are looking forward to having a go at Southland. We expect Southland to be strong. It will be a great test for us."
Unavailable for Otago are forwards Tom Franklin, with a slight neck injury, and Daniel Crichton, who injured his hamstrings when playing club rugby for Pirates against Taieri last weekend.
Three Highlanders have been named in the Southland starting line-up: John Hardie (flanker), Matt Saunders (midfield) and Robbie Robinson (fullback).
Otago v Southland
Invercargill, tonight, 6pm
Otago: Matt Faddes, Joe Hill, Ben Atiga, Glenn Dickson, Buxton Popoalii, Tony Brown, Sean Romans, Eben Joubert (captain), Regan Tamihere, Rob Verbakel, Daniel Ramsay, Kees Meeuws, Jason Macdonald, Halani Aulika.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, James McGougan, Tom Donnelly, Adam Hill, TJ Ioane, Scott Manson, Gareth Evans, Hanipale Galo, Jayden Spence, Johnny Legg, Sam Giddens, Tony Fenner.
Southland: Robbie Robinson, Glen Horton, James Lew, Matt Saunders, Mark Wells, Scott Eade, Scott Cowan, Kaleni Taetuli, John Hardie, Elliot Dixon, Michael Fatialofa, Ben Nally, Nic Barrett, David Hall, Michael Peterson.
Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Alex Taylor, Nick Annear, Marty McKenzie, Tim Cornforth, Jamie Mackintosh, Jason Rutledge, James Wilson.
