Ben Smith
Highlanders and All Blacks fullback Ben Smith remains in a Sydney hospital while recovering from a leg infection.
A statement released by the team on Tuesdays said they believed the infection was caused by a “supercicial graze” sustained by the player in Sunday’s loss to the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium.
Highlanders doctor Greg Macleod has remained in Sydney with Smith and says he is responding well to treatment.
He is expected to be discharged early on Wednesday morning when he will return to Dunedin.
The Highlanders will monitor Smith’s status and make a decision on his availability for Saturday’s crucial Conference-deciding clash against the Crusaders later in the week.
The durable Highlander is one of five players not to miss a game for the franchise this year and alongside Malakai Fekitoa, has not missed a single minute this Super Rugby season.