All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina is on track to prove his fitness just in time for the Rugby World Cup.
Faumuina has been sidelined for nearly three months after undergoing neck surgery but looks set to book his spot to next month's global tournament with a timely return for Auckland this weekend.
Fears Faumuina would not recover in time increased last week when he suffered a nasty head clash with team-mate Taleni Seu during defensive training drills.
Auckland coach Paul Feeney delivered some welcome news, however, suggesting the 28-year-old wrecking ball would start against Canterbury at Eden Park on Saturday. Fellow All Blacks prop Joe Moody is sure to give Faumuina a stern test in his first match back.
"He's passed his concussion protocols so as long as he gets through Thursday's training with a bit of contact he's starting for us," Feeney said. "We want him to get on the pitch and prove he's good enough to be taken away to the Rugby World Cup. He needs to get out there and show what he can do. We're looking forward to seeing him in the blue and white hoops.
"Coming off the bench or starting for the All Blacks he does both well. He adds a bit with his ball carrying, pick and go and he's a very good tackler. His physicality in all those areas are essential for the All Blacks."
Utility Charles Piutau, who spent the past few days at an All Blacks' training camp in Mt Maunganui, will also start on the left wing.
Faumuina's long-awaited return, provided he comes through unscathed, is expected to edge out Canterbury tight head Nepo Laulala - who impressed in four tests this year - from the World Cup squad named on Sunday.
Auckland are coming off a first up 23-23 draw with Southland in Invercargill and patchy 30-24 win over defending champions Taranaki.
While Canterbury arrive undefeated this season after successive wins over Otago and Counties Manukau, their attacking structures struggled to crack the Steelers last week.
The red-and-blacks are expected to bring a host of stars, including Andy Ellis, Patrick Osborne, Tom Taylor, Luke Whitelock, Ryan Crotty, Dominic Bird and Matt Todd to the traditional heavyweight fixture but Auckland haven't lost at Eden Park since 2011.
"On paper I think they're the best side in the competition," Feeney said.
- Stuff
