Versatile Ben Smith has been moved to outside centre for the Highlanders when they attempt to spoil the Brumbies' Super 14 finals push at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

Smith moves in one spot from the wing after Kenny Lynn was ruled out with a groin strain, a new position for last year's All Blacks tourist, who is also capable of playing fullback.

James Paterson comes in on the right wing in one of two starting changes from the side who toppled the NSW Waratahs 26-10 in Invercargill last Friday.

The other has prop Bronson Murray starting at tighthead in place of Clint Newland, who is nursing a back strain.

The 12th-placed Highlanders can play spoilers for another Australian team, with the sixth-placed Brumbies requiring victory to keep their semi-final prospects alive.

Highlanders: Israel Dagg, James Paterson, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Matt Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Bronson Murray, Jason Rutledge, Chris King. Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Keith Cameron, Joe Tuineau, John Hardie, Scott Cowan, Robbie Robinson, Jayden Hayward

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