Richie McCaw is poised to defy all predictions and return to lead the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup rugby Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
A month to the day since injuring his ankle in the second Test against England, McCaw galloped freely at training today in unseasonably warm Wellington sunshine.
That will send chills through the Wallabies and their coach Robbie Deans, the former Crusaders mentor who knows the impact McCaw has both as a player and captain.
When the 27-year-old suffered his high ankle strain at Christchurch, the initial best-case diagnosis was for a return in six weeks -- probably against South Africa in Cape Town on August 16.
Even a week ago after the loss to the Springboks in Dunedin, assistant coach Steve Hansen said McCaw's recovery had been nothing more than steady and there was little chance of an appearance before the match in Cape Town.
However, the 62-Test veteran trained with vigour today, taking part in most team drills apart from scrummaging and some contact work. He never appeared flustered and showed no discomfort as he ran.
Having played no rugby for a month, management will need to balance his need for some tough work this week with a cautious attitude.
There is still a chance coach Graham Henry will take the safe route and opt for recalled cover option Daniel Braid when the team is named tomorrow and pencil in McCaw for the second match against the Wallabies in Auckland next week.
Braid, who last played a Test in 2003, could see merit in the left-right flanker policy used this year, believing there was still a place for specialist opensides like himself.
"You look at the Aussies, (openside) George Smith is going so well," he said.
"Australian teams' real strength is on the ground. All through the Super 14 it's been like that."
Whether McCaw or Braid plays, So'oialo and No 8 Jerome Kaino look set to retain the other loose forward berths while other changes appear likely to the team who lost 28-30 to the Springboks in Dunedin.
Brad Thorn should return from suspension in place of lock Anthony Boric while veteran prop Greg Somerville may well be recalled for John Afoa.
Exciting centre Richard Kahui may earn a second start in place of Conrad Smith despite the latter's excellent form while Anthony Tuitavake could replace fellow Blues winger Rudi Wulf and Leon MacDonald is a possible inclusion at fullback ahead of fellow veteran Mils Muliaina.
