The Highlanders co-captain is resting after picking up his third concussion of the year in the first test against the British and Irish Lions on June 24.
He was ruled out of the series last week and Highlanders coach Tony Brown said yesterday there was no timeline on when Smith would be back.
He was still under the control of the All Black medical staff and was in safe hands with both the Highlanders and New Zealand medical staff, Brown said.
The Highlanders play the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium on July 14 but Smith appears unlikely to play in that game.
The side will then go into the playoffs the following week, and will play either the Crusaders or the Lions.
The Highlanders have limited options at the back as Matt Faddes, who has played fullback this season, is still recovering from a broken bone in his hand.
Brown has named a team which is a mixture of experienced hands and some up-and-coming provincial players for a practice match against the Crusaders tomorrow. Neither team will have its All Blacks.
Josh Ioane will start a fullback while Gavin Stark will be on the right wing. Sio Tomkinson gets a chance at centre, teaming up with Rob Thompson.
The forward pack has a settled look to it. The side will be captained by Ash Dixon and Brown has named 30 players.
All are expected to get a run in the game.Brown said yesterday a few players had niggles but none were too serious.
The Crusaders have named a similar squad, mixing experience with some greenhorns.
Crusaders v Highlanders
Timaru, 3pm, tomorrow
Highlanders: Josh Ioane, Gavin Stark, Sio Tomkinson, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Fletcher Smith, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Gareth Evans, Jackson Hemopo, Tom Franklin, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (captain), Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Flynn Thomas, Aki Seiuli, Craig Millar, Guy Millar, Alex Ainley, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, Adam Knight, Dan Pryor, Josh Renton, Liam Howley, Tei Walden, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki.
Crusaders: David Havili, Manasa Mataele, Seta Tamanivula, Sean Wainui, George Bridge, Mitchell Hunt, Mitchell Drummond, Jordan Taufua (captain), Jed Brown, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Mitchell Dunshea, Quinten Strange, Michael Alaalatoa, Ben Funnell, Tim Perry. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Chris Gawler, Oliver Jager, Jonno Osborne, Shannon Frizell, Bryn Hall, Marty McKenzie, Braydon Ennor, Jone Macilai, Vernon Fredericks.