Kieran Read is inline to play his first match of this years Super Rugby campaign this weekend after recovering from a back injury that has kept the All Blacks captain on the sideline all year.
Crusaders forwards coach Jason Ryan confirmed that Read is available for selection which will be big boost for the team that suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of the Waratahs.
He’s trained really well,” Jason Ryan told the New Zealand Herald on Monday.
“He’s been unbelievable for us off the field in getting the boys ready to play each week. He’s on his toes, he’s fresh and he’s looking forward to it. If he gets an opportunity he’ll definitely be an influence for us.
“His back is feeling good and he’s feeling good mentally as well which is just as important.”
The Crusaders still remain on top of the New Zealand conference and combined log thanks to a superior points difference over the Hurricances who are their opponents on Friday.
Read will be well managed throughout the tournament inline with the All Blacks rotation policy that is being implemented in order to ensure that Steve Hansen has a full squad that is well rested and ready for the World Cup in September.
