Aaron Smith [Source: Highlanders]

All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith won’t play until round three of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

Highlanders head coach Clarke Dermody revealed today that Smith will return later than normal this year in a bid to be firing on all cylinders at the Rugby World Cup.

The Highlanders play the Blues in Dunedin in round one, and against the Crusaders in Melbourne on the following week.

Smith is set to return against the Chiefs in Hamilton on March 10.

Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Drua will play Western Force tomorrow at 9pm in Brisbane in its final trial match.