Aaron Smith will miss the first game of the Highlanders’ two-match tour of Australia due to the recent death of his father, Wayne.
Wayne passed away on Friday, and the Highlanders have given their halfback leave to remain in New Zealand rather than travel to Perth.
The All Black will likely join the squad in time for the match against the Waratahs in Sydney the following weekend.
Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face the Chiefs at 7.05pm Friday.
[Source: TVNZ]
