'Been working really hard': All Blacks star to make stunning return from injury

Injured scrumhalf Folau Fakatava is “on track” to return for the Highlanders this preseason, after injuring his knee ahead of the All Blacks’ end-of-season tour last year.

Fakatava decided to undertake a non-operative approach for his injury, as he targets a return to Super Rugby this season.

The 23-year-old, who made his Test debut against Ireland in 2022, is set to return to competitive rugby in the Landers’ second preseason clash.

Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody provided the injury update on Sunday, saying the star halfback is “giving himself every opportunity” to make the All Blacks’ World Cup squad.

“Folau is on track to play our second game of the preseason, against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown in a couple of weeks,” Dermody told Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine.

“He’ll return to play there, then be available for selection if he can tick off what he needs to in that game.

“He’s been working really hard and diligently with our medical team, the All Blacks medical staff as well.

“He’s giving himself every opportunity to try and make that World Cup (squad), so we’re looking forward to seeing him back out there, and hopefully he can get through the full season.”

The countdown to Round One of the new Super Rugby Pacific campaign is well and truly on.

With last seasons heroics and failures now nothing more than a memory, every team is preparing to kickstart their road to success in a few weeks’ time.

The Highlanders will begin their season with a New Zealand blockbuster against the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 25.