Crusaders captain Kieran Read is close to making his comeback from a concussion that's kept him sidelined for more than a month.
Read hasn't played since suffering a head knock against the Chiefs, but took part in training at the All Blacks' wider squad's session in Christchurch on Tuesday.
Meanwhile the All Blacks coaches say they're happy with the return to fitness of first five Aaron Cruden, who's expected to return from a broken thumb this weekend against the Hurricanes.
The Wellington-based side's pivot Beauden Barrett is improving from his hip injury, and will be available for the Chiefs clash.
