Otago has made six changes to the starting side from last week against North Harbour and has also brought in several squad players to sit on the bench for the match against Taranaki at Carisbrook tomorrow night.
Prop Halani Aulika gets his first start for Otago, wing Ryan Shortland comes back into the side, replacing an out-of-form Fetu'u Vainikolo, while Peter Mirrielees replaces the injured Liam Coltman in the hooking role.
Taieri and New Zealand Colts first five-eighth Hayden Parker will make his Otago debut if he gets on, as will University A hooker Wyatt McKay, who has been playing for Otago B.
Smith, who starred at fullback last year for Otago but has played centre for the first four games of the season, should benefit from the move to his former position and the extra opportunities he will enjoy.
"I still think he is going to be a terrific midfielder but the fact is we haven't been able to give him enough ball in space for him to be effective, so by shifting him back to fullback we hope we can give him a little more time and space back there."
Smith has been training with the New Zealand Sevens team in Auckland for the past few days but should have no problem slotting into the fullback role.
He will undoubtedly be more of an attacking weapon at the back, while Andrew Parata will be itching to get a start at second five-eighth after an impressive club season.
"Andrew organises well and I'm looking forward to seeing him distribute the ball while, Josh [Tatupu] has played Super 14 rugby at centre."
The midfield defence will have to be top-notch against Taranaki which is in the top four.
Mooney said he was not pushing the panic button in making changes.
Some were to cover injuries.
Aulika impressed when he came on last week, and that he lasted 70 minutes showed Mooney he was match fit.
Prop Sam Hibbard went off against Harbour last week but Mooney said it was only a temporary blow, and he was fit to sit on the bench.
Hooker Coltman damaged his shoulder against Harbour and should be back in about three weeks.
McKay had been playing well for Otago B, Mooney said, while Parker was a promising young player, a good goalkicker, and had played well in the past few weeks with the Otago colts side.
Cameron had impressed off the bench in the last two games for Otago, and would give the side an important on-the-ball focus it has been missing since the injury-enforced absence of Eben Joubert, Mooney said.
Taranaki comes into the game full of confidence, having won its last three games, after stumbling to Northland in its first match.
It has moved Kurt Baker to the left wing and brought in youngster Beauden Barrett at fullback.
Tyson Keats gets the start at halfback, while Timo Tutavaha takes over from Laurence Corlett at hooker.
