Read returns to training paddock
Kieran Read is back training with the Crusaders.
The All Blacks captain and No 8 won’t be available for Super Rugby prior to the test window in June, and isn’t expected to play France when they tour New Zealand, but the sight of him in his footy gear was at least something to warm the soul as the Crusaders had a light run in Christchurch yesterday.
Since undergoing surgery on his spine to alleviate pain in his leg in mid-December, Read had previously worked behind closed doors to concentrate on his recovery.
‘‘I think it was a nice surprise for everybody,’’ Crusaders assistant backs coach Ronan O’Gara said in reference to the return of Read, who had initially hoped to be back playing by mid-April. ‘‘Today was a walkthrough, clarity [session]. I think there is a plan with Razor [coach Scott Robertson] and the medical team about how much he can partake, but it’s just great to have him back at the club.’’
Read, 32, has not played rugby since leading the All Blacks to a 22-17 win over Scotland in Edinburgh in November. He was in so much discomfort following that match he couldn’t play the tour finale against Wales a week later, with Crusaders team-mate Sam Whitelock captaining the team in his absence.
It would be unwise to get too hyped about the sight of Read, who has played 109 tests, back in his kit but this, at least, seems like a step in the right direction.
Spinal surgery doesn’t always provide a quick solution to athletes’ woes, and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and Robertson have both warned it would be unwise to put a definitive date on the No 8’s return.
‘‘I think it is a very slow-burner at this stage,’’ O’Gara confirmed. ‘‘There is a plan in place, and with longterm injuries the plan obviously has to be pretty flexible. I think it [the sight of Read] did give all the boys a bit of a lift, and he had one or two points [to make] which is always valuable information.
‘‘I don’t know if he touched a ball, it was walking speed today.’’
The Crusaders, who will play the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night, also had a couple of other injured All Blacks on deck. Lock Luke Romano, who suffered a high ankle sprain in late April, took part in a light game of touch and fullback/wing Israel Dagg, who hurt his right knee against the Brumbies on April 28, has made a swift recovery.