McLean has full squad for Waikato clash

8.10am

Canterbury rugby coach Aussie McLean is expected to have a full squad to choose from for the crucial NPC first division rugby clash against Waikato in Hamilton on Friday.

McLean will want to keep a healthy squad for two big weekends of competition including the clash with Waikato and another away match, at Eden Park against Auckland on October 2.

Canterbury are still just outside the top four with three rounds to play, on 19 points. Taranaki tops the NPC points table on 23 while Waikato, Wellington and North Harbour are also in the top four with 21 points each.

McLean should be able to choose from his full squad after the team came through unscathed from their round-six win against Southland, including captain Richie McCaw who made his long-awaited rugby comeback in the match.

McCaw had a long break because of concussion but played the full 80 minutes and was feeling no ill effects.

The only fitness question mark hangs over halfback Justin Marshall, who was a late withdrawal from the side who took on Southland, suffering a hamstring strain.

Ben Hurst stepped in behind the scrum as Canterbury were successful in their first Ranfurly Shield defence of the season with a 52-13 win.

Marshall will train this week and will remain under the watchful eyes of the team's medical staff.

A fit and available Marshall will set up a key clash with his All Blacks understudy Byron Kelleher.

McLean's only other injury concern was wing Marika Vunibaka, who suffered a bruised left calf muscle during the game.

He will be rested for the early part of the week but is expected to be available for selection later in the week.

Waikato have also had injury woes this season but welcomed back All Blacks flanker Jonno Gibbes for their victory over Otago last week.

Waikato's run to the semifinals is just as daunting, with matches against North Harbour and competition leaders Taranaki to come.

- NZPA

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