Damian McKenzie is on track to be available for the first Greatest Rivalry Series Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, with All Blacks assistant Tana Umaga confirming the utility back trained fully on Tuesday after missing last week's clash against the Bulls with an ankle injury sustained against the Sharks.
"He was sharp today. He got through what he needed to get through. So, he's trending well for being available this weekend," Umaga said.
McKenzie worked through passing and kicking drills alongside Beauden Barrett on Tuesday, a positive sign after head coach Dave Rennie had noted only a light run and physio work on Monday.
The All Blacks are also set to welcome back Will Jordan and Cam Roigard, neither of whom has featured on tour. The more pressing concern is scrumhalf Cortez Ratima, who sustained a knee injury against the Bulls, and whose availability remains uncertain. Rennie has called up Crusaders back Noah Hotham as scrumhalf cover.
Rennie names his matchday squad on Thursday.