The injured All Blacks first five Aaron Cruden is hopeful of playing a couple of Super Rugby matches before the Test series against England in June.
Cruden broke his thumb playing against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein at the weekend and it was thought he could be out for up to eight weeks.
After a second medical assessment however it's been decided Cruden doesn't need surgery and could be back playing in six weeks' time.
He hopes to return for the Chiefs match against the Hurricanes in Wellington late next month which would give him the opportunity to play two matches before the first Test against England in Auckland on June 7th.
