All Blacks: Kieran Read to start against Lions

Ink in All Blacks captain Kieran Read to lead his team out against the Lions at Eden Park on Saturday night.

Read has been sidelined by a broken thumb and his last game for the Crusaders was in Bloemfontein against the Cheetahs on April 30.

He has trained well, according to assistant coach Ian Foster, who did all but confirm Read will start the first test.

"We're pretty satisfied," Foster said today.

"He has had his first real solid hitout with contact (today) and hopefully he comes through that well. He doesn't want to miss it. He's desperate to play. He's our leader."

It will be Read's 98th test appearance and his importance to the group can't be overstated.

"He's been a big part of the leadership group for a long time," Foster said.

"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.

"We have other people who could do a job but to have 'Reado' back would be a real boost for us."

There had been a plan to get him out against Samoa at Eden Park last Friday night for a few minutes. That didn't happen, but there's a good feeling around the group with his fitness.

Others with injury issues, notably midfield back Ryan Crotty, have cleared up to the point Foster said the squad's "injury ward is looking very empty, which is nice."

Told that players looked as if they had their 'game faces' on today, Foster responded: "I'd like to think they've had their game faces on for a week and a bit.

"Tuesday is a big day, we get a lot of work done. When you go into a big occasion like this, there's always a bit of an edge to it."