All Blacks skipper Kieran Read has been training without any problems for the past two weeks and is confident his repaired broken thumb will be able to stand the rigours of the first test against the British and Irish Lions tonight.
Read broke his right thumb almost two months ago in South Africa and underwent surgery.
He has not played since but the number eight believes his inactivity will not be a factor in Auckland.
Read says his feeling spot on, since they got into camp last week and hasn't been worried about the thumb.
Read also dismissed fears concerning his match fitness, with the 31‑year‑old having taken part in non‑contact training since he suffered the injury.
He says the emotions will kick in and his really pumped for the test match.
Read will lead the side in his 98th test match and despite winning two World Cups with the All Blacks, the Canterbury Crusader said the scarcity of Lions tours added an element of the unknown to the opening test.
The All Blacks will face the Lions at 7.35 tonight.
Source: Radio NZ
