Dane Coles is inching closer to a return to the rugby field.
The world-class hooker is nearing an end to a nine-month injury recovery, after suffering a crippling ACL injury in 2017 and a near two-year battle with prolonged concussion issues.
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The 31-year-old was the consensus best hooker on the planet heading into the Lions series last year, but frustratingly missed all three tests, as he recovered from his symptoms.
Coles returned to the national frame during the 2017 Rugby Championship, but in only his 11th game of the year, he suffered the knee injury against France in Paris, causing him to miss the entire Super Rugby season.
The Hurricanes captain has been a part of both the All Blacks wider training squads throughout 2018, but he hasn't been able to contribute physically.
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster believes Coles could realistically be available for selection before the end-of-year tour in November.
"Every week, he's getting closer and closer," Foster said.
"It's exciting and he's starting to believe that too, I think. He's got that glint in his eye."
Foster indicated that they have targeted a return to provincial rugby for Coles later this month, with the hope he may play the final test of the Rugby Championship on October 7 against the Springboks in Pretoria.
A more pressing issue for Foster and the selection panel is a 23-man squad for Saturday night's clash with South Africa in Wellington.
Sonny Bill Williams is expected to be play, despite missing training on Tuesday with a bout of sickness.
But the cross-code superstar had positive news, with scans showing he had overcome a shoulder injury that kept him on the sidelines for 10 weeks.
Williams' only test appearance of 2018 was in June against France at Eden Park.
The 33-year-old's return is a timely one, given Ngani Laumape's knee injury. The Hurricanes inside-centre suffered a painful blow in heavy contact during the All Blacks' 46-24 defeat of the Pumas in Nelson last Saturday.
The All Blacks may opt for Ryan Crotty as Williams' midfield partner, a combination the selectors indicated was their preferred one at the start of the season.
The form of Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue has been outstanding in his three test appearances during the tournament, but Crotty's return from concussion could signal a week off for the 23-year-old.
Star winger Rieko Ioane's hamstring is healed and is likely to return, along with match-winning five-eighth Beauden Barrett.
Sam Cane and Liam Squire should be restored as flankers, despite muscular efforts from fringe candidates Ardie Savea and Shannon Frizell against the Argentina.
The tight five may be the only area below full strength for the world champions.
Lock Brodie Retallick (shoulder) and prop Joe Moody (thumb) are poised to miss the rest of the Rugby Championship.
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