Fitness race: Tom Taylor
Canterbury are hopeful that influential utility back Tom Taylor will be fit to take his place in the side's run-on XV for Saturday's ITM Cup final against Auckland.
Taylor, who was forced off the pitch with an ankle complaint during Canterbury's 51-27 semi-final win over Taranaki in extra-time, has been given until Friday to prove his fitness.
Elsewhere, there also looks to be serious concerns around Ryan Crotty and Adam Whitelock. Crotty was ruled out before kick-off, meaning a rejig in the backline, and Whitelock was left groggy after a head knock early in the match.
And coach Tabai Matson's prognosis wasn't good as the defending champions prepare for a record fifth consecutive final.
"It's one of those days where we are only 48 hours on from a match, and the dust is still really settling," Matson told Fairfax NZ News.
"The guys have had a couple of days off after the Taranaki match, so we are still assessing just how serious some injuries are.
"But there is certainly a lot of cloud hanging over the announcement of the team on Thursday at this stage."
Some good news for Matson is the welcome return of props Wyatt Crockett and Ben Franks. The All Blacks duo were released from the New Zealand squad this week and Matson expects Franks to slot straight into the side.
"We have got a pretty simple game plan, and where he has come from and his professionalism will mean they step in seamlessly," said Matson.
"I have certainly got no qualms about him integrating back into the side."
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