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Reuters

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.”


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British & Irish Lions

New Zealand captain Kieran Read in line to face British & Irish Lions

New Zealand captain Kieran Read against South Africa last year. Photos: AFP

Injured New Zealand captain Kieran Read (R) looks on from the sidelines during the international rugby test match between New Zealand and Samoa at Eden Park in Auckland on June 16, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MICHAEL BRADLEY

All Blacks concern ahead of British & Irish Lions series as skipper Kieran Read fractures thumb

Kieran Read of the Canterbury Crusaders. Photo: AFP

New Zealand's captain Kieran Read (C) is tackled by South Africa's Vincent Koch (Back) and Juan de Jongh (R) during the rugby Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on September 17, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Marty Melville

All Blacks skipper Kieran Read commits through to 2019 World Cup in Japan

All Blacks captain Kieran Read is committed to New Zealand rugby until 2019. Photo: Reuters

Kieran Read of the Canterbury Crusaders scores a try during the Super Rugby match between New Zealand's Canterbury Crusaders and South Africa's Western Stormers at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on April 22, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MARTIN HUNTER

Kieran Read anxious to lead All Blacks out at Eden Park

Kieran Read. Photo: AFP

Kieran Read named new All Blacks captain as post-Ritchie McCaw era begins

New Zealand number eight Kieran Read (centre left) was on Friday named as the next All Blacks captain, replacing Richie McCaw (centre right) who retired in 2015 after leading the team to a second successive Rugby World Cup victory. Photo: AFP

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has put his faith in Kieran Read to fill former captain Richie McCaw's shoes. Photo: Reuters

Kieran Read turns down chance to play for All Blacks Sevens at Rio Olympics

New Zealand and Crusaders number eight Kieran Read, in action against the Bulls in a Super 15 clash, is set on a leadership role with the All Blacks. Photo: AFP

Dynamic All Blacks winger Julian Savea is considering whether to play sevens at the Rio Olympics. Photo: AP

Sport

Rugby

Back rower takes part in first full contact training session since injuring his thumb in April ahead of Saturday’s first test in Auckland
