Wellington will have New Zealand star Ma’a Nonu back in their squad for the visit of unbeaten provincial champions Auckland on Saturday.
Nonu, selected for the All Blacks at both wing and centre, returns to rugby after a seven-week injury hiatus due to a broken thumb, which will be protected if he plays.
Lions backs coach Chris Boyd told The Dominion Post "He’s got a guard to play with, he’s been cleared by the medical team to train and he will undergo a fitness test."
Hurricanes winger Hosea Gear (hamstring) and Tamati Ellison will also receive late tests.
Nonu and Conrad Smith, who has also returned to the Lions team after a long-standing injury, are possible contenders to replace team-mate Tana Umaga as New Zealand’s outside centre.
