All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen says he is not concerned with Brodie Retallick and Owen Franks’ preparation so long as they are both fit and ready to go when the Rugby Championship begins next month.
With Retallick and Franks having missed chunks of the current season with injuries, the key All Blacks duo face the prospect of entering this year's Rugby Championship struggling for match fitness.
Hansen also said the Rugby Championship will not be a priority for the All Blacks this year, utilising matches against the southern hemisphere sides as a practise run for the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks begin their Rugby Championship campaing on July 27 against South Africa in Wellington.
In Super Rugby this week, the Bulls will take on the Highlanders at 7.35pm Friday while the Reds will play the Blues at 9.45pm Friday.
The Crusaders will take on the Rebels at 7.35pm Saturday while the Waratahs will go head to head with the Brumbies at 9.45pm Saturday.
The Stormers will play the Sunwolves at 3.15am Sunday while the Jaguares will take on the Sharks at 7.40am Sunday.
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