Afoa on verge of surprise return

John Afoa

Tighthead prop John Afoa could make a surprise return to the Auckland pack for Friday's semifinal against Wellington if he survives a scrum session today.

Afoa has missed the last month of the Air New Zealand Cup series after straining his back against Waikato but the coaching staff believe the All Black is ready to resume in the front row.

That scrutiny will start with some intense scrummaging today then a medical test tomorrow before the side to play Wellington is announced.

While the reports on Afoa were encouraging for Auckland, there is no chance of a return for wing Doug Howlett and an appearance by lock Ali Williams is unlikely.

However, the injured All Black duo and Luke McAlister are all expected to be fit for selection for the tour to Europe after being injured at the weekend.

Fears that Howlett has sustained serious medial ligament damage in his knee eased after scans and a prognosis he could recover in about three weeks. McAlister is expected to repair in a similar time from his shoulder problem.

Williams had increased movement in his neck but assistant Auckland coach Shane Howarth, who broke his neck in an accident before returning to play rugby, said every precaution would be taken with the lock.

"When I saw it happen I thought it was serious and I think it would be a hell of a miracle if he played this week," Howarth added, "and I'm not kidding about that.

"He is getting a lot better day by day but I think it would be unrealistic for us to have him this Friday - maybe if we reach the final he could be available."

Halfback Steve Devine was still troubled by a shoulder problem but Andrew Blowers, Isaia Toeava and David Smith were all overcoming their niggles.

Loan players David Gibson, Justin Collins and Tony Koonwaiyou were all training with the squad under the regulation which allows them to return to their original province to cover for injured players.

The bonus was Afoa's improvement.

"He has been training with the team, he has been looking good for us and running around like a mad hatter," Howarth said.

"We'll see how he goes at scrum training but we are optimistic he will be there. He did some scrums last week and he feels good and is moving freely."

Afoa's return would help thwart some of the advantage Wellington was looking at with their front row, led by All Black Neemia Tialata and former national prop Joe McDonnell.

Tialata and Ma'a Nonu are recovering from muscle strains from the victory against Canterbury, and an unchanged side is likely to be announced tomorrow.

"That was the best and most complete performance we have put together this season, everyone fronted and it was a struggle to find someone who did not play well," assistant coach Chris Boyd said.

"We were on a different plane and I think that is all part of the way elite sportsmen get more excited when the top competition comes along, they rise to the occasion."

Injuries to Chris Masoe, Tamati Ellison and Hosea Gear were still troubling them and although Masoe was improving, he was still less than a 50-50 chance to be involved on Friday.

Poor weather yesterday in the capital restricted Wellington to an indoor session of basketball, netball and defensive drills but Boyd said the week was all about organisation and focus.

Paul Honiss will referee the first semifinal at Eden Park while Bryce Lawrence will control the Hamilton game.

SEMIFINALS

Friday: Auckland v Wellington, Eden Park, 7.35pm

Saturday: Waikato v Otago, Waikato Stadium, 7.35pm