KEY POINTS:
Nick the Quick had some time with Mick the Kick yesterday, and the result could be welcome news for Highlanders fans.
Nick Evans had a full training day that included a session with All Black kicking coach Mick Byrne and later declared himself ready for action.
He has not played since fracturing a bone in his lower right leg in a pre-season loss to the Reds.
"The leg is feeling really good. I'm really happy with how it's improved," he said yesterday. "It still aches a little bit at times but that's to be expected ... I'm sure I'll be a little bit rusty but if I do the basics right, I should be okay."
Evans, who has been practising his goal-kicking for the past couple of weeks, had a major test on Monday when he tried accelerating at full power and stepping around defenders.
"That was the most worrying thing for me, but the leg came through really well with no ill-effects."
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
