Hurricanes forward Ardie Savea's in a race against time to prove himself fit for the semi-final against the Crusaders on Saturday.
Savea was on light running duties on Monday as he recovers from a high ankle sprain which has kept him sidelined since the All Blacks' third test win over France on June 23.
Assistant coach Jason Holland described the powerhouse flanker as an outside chance to play, which represents a slight upgrade after head coach Chris Boyd ruled him out altogether on Friday.
"Only a small chance," said Holland.
"We haven't really talked about it at the moment. He's a real outside chance [and] he's ticking away at the boxes he needs to tick and more realistically he might need a little bit more time I think."
However, it's likely Gareth Evans will get another shot in the number seven jersey after impressing in the quarter-final win over the Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Crusaders wing Seta Temanivalu and prop Joe Moody will be given the week to prove their fitness as they look to overcome their respective head and knee injuries.
Newshub.
