All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea is recuperating rapidly and could make a surprise appearance for the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby semifinal against the Crusaders.
Both teams are hoping to welcome one Test player back for Saturday’s match in Christchurch, with Crusaders prop Joe Moody also close to a return.
While Moody’s comeback from a recent knee injury was widely anticipated, the Hurricanes had been preparing to be without dynamic openside Savea.
The 24-year-old hasn’t played since suffering a high ankle sprain on All Blacks duty against France a month ago and there was some suggestion his Super Rugby season was prematurely over.
However, he went through a series of drills on Monday and could be in line to return in place of Gareth Evans, who was superb playing out of position in the 32-31 quarter-final win over the Chiefs.
Assistant Coach Jason Holland said Savea is still to prove his readiness.
“He’s a real outside chance (and) he’s ticking away at the boxes he needs to tick,” Holland said.
Both teams came through the first round of the finals relatively unscathed.
Crusaders winger Seta Tamanivalu will undergo concussion testing after suffering a head knock during defending champions’ the 40-10 win over the Sharks.