25 May 2014

All Blacks not sure about Aaron Cruden starting against England

4:05 pm on 25 May 2014

It appears Chiefs first-five Aaron Cruden will have to impress in next weekend's round of Super Rugby if he's to start for the All Blacks in the first Test against England.

Cruden returned from a broken thumb with 25 minutes off the bench in last night's hiding from the Hurricanes.

The All Blacks wider training squad has gathered in Wellington for their second camp and assistant coach Ian Foster says its too early to say if Cruden's a certainty to start for them.

He says Cruden was a bit rusty against the Hurricanes but he has shown previously that he can mentally come back.

Foster says hopefully Cruden will get plenty of game time for the Chiefs against New South Wales next weekend.

Meanwhile Foster says Beauden Barrett continues to put his hand up for selection... he's playing with physicality and his goal kicking is outstanding.

The squad for the first Test is named next Sunday.