Smith has missed their last three games with an ankle injury and this weekend will play his record equalling 127th game for the Highlanders.
Smith stands beside former Highlanders captain Anton Oliver as the clubs most capped player.
Also returning from injury is number eight Luke Whitelock meaning a shift for Elliot Dixon to the blindside while Aki Seiuli and Siate Tokolahi retain the starting spots in the front row.
Waisake Naholo returns on the right wing, replacing Patrick Osborne, after serving his one game suspension last week.
