Matt Proctor set to return for Hurricanes

Centre Matt Proctor is set to return to action for the Hurricanes in Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Proctor has been sidelined with a chest muscle injury sustained in his team’s Round 16 win against the Sharks in Durban.

The one-Test All Black played in a club rugby match in Wellington at the weekend and Hurricanes assistant coach Carlos Spencer revealed that he will be considered for the semi-final.

“Matt got through club rugby on the weekend, which is really positive,” he told AAP.

“We’ll just see how he tracks over the next couple of days.”

Peter Umaga-Jensen started at outside centre for the Hurricanes in Saturday’s 35-28 quarter-final win over the Bulls in Wellington.

The young centre’s inexperience came to the fore, however, as he battled to contain Springbok counterpart Jesse Kriel.

Umaga-Jensen’s performance in that match could open the door for Proctor’s return and his selection could strengthen the Hurricanes’ midfield against the Crusaders, who are set to field All Blacks centres Ryan Crotty and Jack Goodhue.

Spencer said although Proctor’s experience will be crucial in any play-off match, he would not be selected unless he was fully fit.

“Experience is important, especially in games like this, but it’s important that we play guys that are fully fit,” he added.

“We believe guys have got to be 100 per cent fit for them to be able to do a job for us this week.”