Aaron Cruden admits he is confident he can perform for New Zealand in their Rugby Championship clash with South Africa if declared fit enough to start in Wellington.
The 25-year-old missed the All Blacks’ 28-9 victory over Argentina in Napier after suffering a pectoral injury, Beauden Barrett handed his first start in the No.10 jersey instead.
New Zealand saw Sam Whitelock and Liam Messam ruled out for the majority of the rest of the Rugby Championship after picking up knocks in the win against Argentina.
Cruden’s fitness is to be assessed before Saturday’s clash and, if given the green light, he is adamant he’ll slot straight back into the unbeaten All Blacks outfit in Wellington.
“The pecs are feeling good. They responded really well to treatment last week. I’m doing a little bit of rehab, so we’ll make a decision in coming days,” he said.
“We’ll see if I can get through training tomorrow and if I can do a little bit of the contact stuff. Then if I get the OK from the medics and [I am] selected to play, I’ll be really confident to get out there and do a job.”
