Smith, Squire set to play

All Blacks Ben Smith and Liam Squire are back training this week and are expected to line up for the Highlanders on Saturday night.

Smith missed last Friday night's trouncing of the Rebels at Forsyth Barr Stadium because of a hamstring strain he picked up the day before at training.

Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett said Smith had taken a full part in training yesterday and, if he gets through the rest of the week, he should be fine to play against the Blues.

Squire has been out since injuring his knee in the second-round match against the Crusaders in early March.

He was close to coming back last week but would be available to play on Saturday. Hammett said it was an obvious bonus getting the All Black duo back.

''They are two important players and we are not far away getting more people back on deck. Most of them are maybe a week or two away.'' he said.

Openside flanker Dan Pryor, who has yet to play a game this year after picking up a knee injury last year while playing for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup, has started running again and may be a chance to play by the end of the month.

Hammett said it was difficult sometimes to find the right time to bring a player back with others performing well.

Loose forward Squire is an obvious example, as Luke Whitelock has been one of the Highlanders' best in recent weeks and it may be tough to drop the former All Black for Squire.

Whoever makes the starting side, the match is looming as a crunch game for both teams.

''We have looked at the table and there is no hiding that, we are behind them. We got the win last time and, we've all been players, we know what it is like. That just amps it up even more. Both teams are absolutely desperate so it will be a big match.''

Hammett said the Highlanders needed to concentrate on playing an 80-minute game.

The match on Saturday has the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy up for grabs, with the Highlanders keen to retain it.

''Gordy was huge in this area. I was lucky enough to have a bit to do with him in the early days of All Black selection. But anyone who lives in this area, all that Gordy gave to this region and this group ... just the way he could connect with players.''

''Any time his name is mentioned round here it pulls everyone in and draws everyone's focus on.''

The Blues will be without inside back Ihaia West because of an ankle injury but welcome back Steven Luatua from suspension while Sonny Bill Williams is a chance to play.