Seven games into Super Rugby Pacific 2023, All Blacks star Will Jordan is closer than ever to a return for the Crusaders, after months sidelined by an inner-ear vestibular issue.
Jordan, 25, has been out of action since the end of 2022, after he missed the All Blacks' northern tour.
The condition Jordan has been battling can cause vertigo, dizziness, issues with balance and nausea to those it affects.
Since the start of the season, coach Scott Robertson has been cautious over Jordan's return, taking the advice of Crusaders medical staff, but after he missed selection for Friday's trip to face Melbourne Rebels, Roberts has updated the fullback's recovery.
"He's really close," said Robertson. "He trained well, but just wasn't quite there.
"He's working hard and he's not far away. It's week by week, especially for someone who's had this for a period of time.
"You just work with them. It's new, it's a unique situation from a health point of view.
"You just respect the week that's in front of you. He just wasn't quite ready this week."
The Crusaders will be boosted by the return of two All Blacks, with Sam Whitelock and Cullen Grace both back from injury.
Whitelock, 34, has recovered from a hand injury suffered against the Blues in round three to start in the second row, alongside captain Scott Barrett.
Meanwhile, Grace, 23, has been out of action with a shoulder injury since the round one loss to the Chiefs, but has been named to cover the loose forwards on the bench.
After battling through an injury toll that even saw Barrett defer an All Blacks rest week, so depleted were the Crusaders stocks, Robertson can't hide his delight with reinforcements.
"Cullen's great," Robertson continued. "When he first got the injury, we thought it was going to be a lot longer.
"He's been excited. He'll bring a lot of energy off the bench.
"Sam is Sam... he'd play every minute, if he could. For him, being on the sideline has been tough.
"It's great to have them both back."
The Crusaders casualty ward has grown again, with prop George Bower joining winger Sevu Reece on the sidelines for the rest of the year, both suffering knee injuries.
Join Newshub at 9:30pm Friday for live updates of the Crusaders v Rebels Super Rugby Pacific clash
