The All Black lock Anthony Boric will step up his World Cup preparations when he starts for North Harbour in an ITM Cup match with Wellington after nine weeks out with a foot injury.
Boric expects to play about 40 minutes before being replaced, probably by James King who's just signed a two-year deal to play Super Rugby for the Rebels in Melbourne.
Meanwhile Wellington's chances of winnning at Albany and avoiding relegation from the Premiership have been boosted by the return of the unwanted All Black Hosea Gear.
The Lions captain Jeremy Thrush says it's great Gear wants to get out and play and it'll be good to have him on the left wing.
A Wellington loss and a win for bottom-placed Southland over Bay of Plenty on Sunday will result in the southerners remaining in the top division.
The match will also be the last for Wellington prop Neemia Tialata before he heads to France.
