Cloud of doubt over Fekitoa

All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa remains a cloud a doubt hanging over the Highlanders' head as he is yet to recover from a groin injury.

Fekitoa – who was a clear omission from the team that lost to the Hurricanes – is being treated gently as he is a taking a while to get over the injury he picked up in the Highlanders' 36-9 victory over the Chiefs on May 30.

The dynamic centre's chances of playing remains 50-50 at the moment as his groin is still tender. There was some good news for the franchise though as their other All Blacks, Ben and Aaron Smith took part in full training on Tuesday.

In other injury news, centre Jason Emery – who had left the field against the Hurricanes because of a shoulder injury – had recovered well but will play no part in the crucial match against the Blues in Auckland.

The Highlanders are in a fight to grab fourth place on the log and, with it, a home playoff game.