Rugby: Odds in favour of Conrad Smith return

Hurricanes assistant coach Aussie McLean is tipping a return this weekend for All Black centre Conrad Smith.

Smith left the field with an eye injury in the first round of the Rebel Sport Super 14.

McLean will not say if Smith will return as skipper, but he is back into full training.

He says they will not know until Thursday if Smith will be available for selection, but it is more than likely. Smith will still be bracketed if he does not receive clearance by Thursday.

As for Tana Umaga's Achilles injury, McLean says it is a long-term hassle that they have always needed to manage.

The Hurricanes are second on the Super 14 ladder, host the Stormers in Palmerston North on Saturday night.

- NEWSTALK ZB