All Blacks captain Kieran Read is set for big-time rugby again after returning from a long injury stint in humble surrounds.
Read played the first half for Counties Manukau on Wednesday in a pre-season provincial match at Manurewa Rugby Club, south of Auckland.
It was the 32-year-old’s first hit-out since undergoing spinal surgery last December, having ended New Zealand’s tour of Europe in considerable pain.
Read suggested he will be ready to lead the All Blacks in twin Bledisloe Cup Tests in August, assuming he has a problem-free run with the Super Rugby-leading Crusaders when he rejoins them next week.
“Today really was just to go out and get a bit of contact, take a few hits, make some tackles and really just enjoy the game,” he said.
“It is going to be a step up going back to Super Rugby and it’s up to the coaches to decide how they want to use me.”
The 109-Test veteran reckoned seven months out of the game could ultimately prove invaluable as he preserves his frame for next year’s World Cup.
He trained with the All Blacks this month during their 3-0 Test series sweep on June, when lock Sam Whitelock was skipper.
Read made the first tackle of the game in front of a packed crowd at the club venue and spent much of his 40 minutes on defence.
Cantab
Guest
With the hurricanes dropping 3 in a row and the highlanders losing, they can give everyone a week off!
piru
Roar Rookie
I notice no one was able to get a photo of the elusive Read. He tincts He darkles
taylorman
Roar Guru
If Barret remains that hot Id cycle the three till the Wcup so we have a solid base at lock, and can find a proper 6, several putting their hands up.
JP Bogers
Roar Rookie
With Read fit... The ABs could field Read Ratallick and Barret?
Old Bugger
Guest
Welcome back Cap......been a while.
mick
Guest
Very happy to see Read back on the field. Pretty inspiring to see someone at his age backing up after some serious injury issues.
Highlander
Guest
Many is the RC opponent who can hear the jaws theme music right now Good to have the skip back
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes, particularly intest two when they tried to go around. Didnt have the right ammo for it. They got it right third test by going through them, SBW, Mac and all.
The Saint
Roar Guru
The ABs missed Read's runs out wide then offloading against France.
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Read is about to set the world on fire.He has been plagued by this injury for years and now has it sorted.Look out
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
I agree Ben. Scott Barrett stepped up in the French series but Sam Whitelock looked a bit jaded. The problem is there are two must-win home matches to retain top spot. The Blues would be the best time to rest him but thoughts of the Lions trip to Argentina two years ago for the last round might put pay to that.
Ben
Guest
I hope now he is back for the Saders they give Sam Whitelock a break for a few games. Hes really been at it all season for both the Saders and ABs. If theyre not careful he will breakdown soon. Was looking forward to the Vermuelen v Read head to head but hear Duane wont be playing the RC.
Sherry
Guest
Way to go, Kieran. Hope to see you in the RC . Gonna be cheering for you and the WBs at the same time.