New Zealand captain Kieran Read in line to face British & Irish Lions
Back rower takes part in first full contact training session since injuring his thumb in April ahead of Saturday’s first test in Auckland
New Zealand captain Kieran Read took part in a first full contact training session since injuring his thumb and All Blacks coaches are confident the back rower will be fit to face the British & Irish Lions at Eden Park on Saturday.
Read has not played since breaking the base of his right thumb and undergoing surgery in late April with the fracture healing in a protective cast that was removed just over a week ago.
The 31-year-old missed the 78-0 victory against Samoa last week to ensure he had the best chance of facing the Lions in the three-test series and assistant coach Ian Foster said the team were pleased with his progress.
“We’re pretty satisfied,” Foster said on Tuesday. “He has had his first real solid hit out with contact and hopefully he comes through that well. He doesn’t want to miss it. He’s desperate to play. He’s our leader.
“We have other people who could do a job, but to have ‘Reado’ back would be a real boost for us.”
Fullback Ben Smith, who was the team’s official vice captain, led the side against Samoa and drew strong praise from coach Steve Hansen for his performance in the role.
Foster said the influence of Read, who took over from long-term skipper Richie McCaw following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, had been important in helping Smith and the team last week.
All Blacks captain Kieran Read to head into British & Irish Lions series cold after broken thumb
“He’s been a big part of the leadership group for a long time,” Foster said of Read.
“The way he grew into the role last year, the biggest accolade I can give him is the way he grew people around him.
“He has a very inclusive leadership style, encouraged a lot of decision-making from the playing group around him and earned a lot of respect for that.”
