Read 'back to his roots' for comeback
ALL BLACK SPOTLIGHT: All Black captain Kieran Read is finally back on the playing field.
Read went back to his roots, as he made his return from back surgery for a Counties Manukau side – which included amateurs and club players – in a pre-season clash on Wednesday.
The Crusaders and New Zealand No.8 has been sidelined since going under the knife, late last year, to free nerve pressure from a disc bulge.
Read was back in action against a Tasman outfit, as Counties stepped up their preparations for the National Provincial Championship campaign at Mountfort Park, Manurewa.
The All Black skipper featured in the first half, with his father watching on, and is now targeting a Super Rugby comeback.
“Today [Wednesday] really was just to go out and get a bit of contact, take a few hits, make some tackles and really just enjoy the game,” Read said.
“We got through all that with no adverse effects on the body.
“It is going to be a step up going back to Super Rugby.
“It was good to get that hit-out so now it is up to the coaches to decide how they want to use me.
“Maybe in a smaller way off the bench or something next week.”
By Peter Thompson, RugbyPass
