Veteran All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi is on the comeback trail from a neck injury that can spell trouble for a prop’s career.
The 33-year-old of 68 tests has been sidelined since needing neck surgery after his last appearance for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific in March.
However, the Blues are expecting Tu’ungafasi to be available for the new season, Stuff understands.
He would also be in the frame for the All Blacks again after playing his last test on last year’s northern tour.
Neck injuries can be especially problematic for props. There is great strain applied to their necks when trying to better the opposing big men in scrums. The front row leads the charge and attempts to drive their pack forwards.
Props have to cope with that physical force to prosper in the game.
Blues coach Vern Cotter will welcome Tu’ungafasi’s looming return, as their only All Blacks prop alongside the likes of promising loosehead Joshua Fusitu’a.
Tu’ungafasi, a popular figure in Auckland after reaching 150 Blues caps last year, will test his strength and durability when returning to pre-season training in late November.