Captain-in-waiting Kieran Read looks likely to lead the All Blacks against France in June after Crusaders medical staff gave him clearance to return to Super Rugby this week.
Crusaders No.8 and skipper Read has missed the last six games because of a toe ligament injury suffered against the Southern Kings in round six.
He trained on Monday and assistant coach Dave Hewett expected him to play a part for the sixth-placed Crusaders against the fifth-placed Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.
“At this stage he’s on schedule to be selectable this week and it’s just a case of him being able to get through the medical side of things and getting through a full week of training,” Hewett told journalists.
Read will then have three games to prove his fitness before the All Blacks squad for the three-Test home series against France is named.
The 27-year-old is expected to be named captain in the absence of veteran skipper Richie McCaw, who is nearing the end of a six-month break from rugby.
Read’s only other taste of leading New Zealand was when McCaw missed the Test against Italy in Rome last November.