Two key components of the Highlanders’ championship-winning Super Rugby backline are poised to make timely returns from injury, though collateral damage sustained while beating the Brumbies is a concern.
Waisake Naholo and Marty Banks only have to get through a solid block of training this week to feature against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night.
All Black wing Naholo signalled his return to fitness from his latest leg fracture with a hat-trick in Dunedin club rugby last Saturday while first five-eighth Banks - a valuable impact player in 2015 - is also expected to rejoin the match day 23 now a rib injury has mended.
However, openside flanker Shane Christie is expected to be sidelined for at least a fortnight with a hamstring injury and No.8 Liam Squire is also in doubt, so Dan Pryor is in line for promotion and Luke Whitelock a recall on the bench.
The Highlanders will meet the Chiefs at 7.35pm Saturday.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
