KEY POINTS:
All Blacks lock Chris Jack may make an early return to Super 14 rugby duty for the Crusaders on Friday after an enforced sideline spell nursing a torn hamstring tendon.
Jack ran freely with the Crusaders forwards in training today and was hoisted high in the lineouts without showing any troubling signs of the injury that forced him off the field against the Waratahs in Sydney five weeks ago.
After watching his first full training run since then, assistant coach Mark Hammett said Jack would "certainly" be considered for the crucial clash with the Chiefs at Jade Stadium.
"Obviously it will depend on how he gets through the rest of the week, but if he comes through then we'll certainly look at having him in the mix," Hammett said.
He said the Crusaders were "obviously pretty happy" at Jack's apparent quick recovery and welcomed his availability at a time when "a wee bit more leadership would be great".
"He's worked very hard to get himself back in this position ... and it's nice to see him back on the track."
The experienced Jack, who is leaving for English club Saracens after this year's rugby World Cup, took a leadership role "and lifts standards around him".
Hammett said Jack's presence would boost team morale after the 6-15 loss to a fired-up ACT Brumbies in Canberra last Saturday.
"We're pretty firm on setting high standards and we didn't quite meet those at the weekend," he said.
The Crusaders are scheduled to name their team tomorrow morning.
While Jack returned to training at Rugby Park today, fellow-Crusaders All Blacks Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger were absent, working in the gym.
Crusaders and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said one or two players were "nursing a few injuries and niggles".
"But it's a short turnaround (between games) and hopefully everyone will be right for this weekend."
McCaw acknowledged the Crusaders played below par and lacked intensity in their tryless match against the Brumbies.
"They were a bit more desperate than us and put us under pressure," he said.
"We've got to make sure we don't go into our shells after what happened last week."
With one round to play before the semifinals, just six points separate the top six teams.
The Crusaders still lead with 41 points, followed by the Sharks on 40, the Blues and the Bulls tied on 37, the Chiefs on 36 and the Brumbies with 35.
The Crusaders can confirm a home semifinal with a win or a draw while the it is do-or-die for the Chiefs.
If they win they can prise a semifinal berth but defeat will bring the end of the Chiefs' season unless they can snare two bonus points.
- NZPA
