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Crusaders set possible Read return date
By Ben Spratt
New Zealand captain Kieran Read is still three weeks away from a return to action, say the Crusaders.
Read endured a tough 2018 following back surgery and has been rested for the early part of the Super Rugby season ahead of another big year for the All Blacks, with the Rugby World Cup getting under way in Japan in September.
And with the Crusaders having won their first three matches of the campaign, they are in no rush to bring Read back.
Assistant coach Jason Ryan confirmed on Monday that, while Read is back in training, the 33-year-old is not yet ready for action.
"Reado is probably three weeks away," Ryan told reporters. "We are not 100 per cent sure yet.
"We will just see how he goes. He is back into his training and so forth. We are pretty confident."
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In other news: Beaumont issues World League statement
Discussing whether the call on Read's fitness had been made by the Crusaders or the All Blacks, the coach added: "A bit of both. We can't say much more than that.
"He is looking good, training today and jumping in the lineouts and he had a good week last week."
Ryan was able to confirm that Codie Taylor is available for selection again, though, while Sam Whitelock is "not far away at all".
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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