All Blacks flanker Sam Cane could make his Super Rugby comeback for the Chiefs against the Blues on Saturday after recovering from a neck injury.
The 27-year-old had emergency surgery in South Africa in October after breaking a bone in his neck during a Test against the Springboks and was initially expected to make his return against Queensland Reds on May 24.
“Sam’s going really well and could be (back) this week or next week,” Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said on Tuesday.
Cane was invited to a one-day All Blacks camp last month, boosting his chances of making the defending champions’ squad for the World Cup in Japan, which starts in September.
The breakaway flanker’s return would add further strong competition for the New Zealand No.7 jumper at the World Cup, made vacant by the retirement of former captain Richie McCaw after they won the 2015 tournament.
Chiefs are currently 12th in the overall Super Rugby standings, two points above the Blues who have played a game less.