All Blacks skipper Read 'touch and go' for Samoa clash

New Zealand captain Kieran Read has revealed it is “touch and go” as to whether he will be fit to face Samoa in a warm-up for the British and Irish Lions series.

The number eight underwent surgery after breaking his thumb during Crusaders’ 48-21 Super Rugby victory against Cheetahs last month.

It was anticipated Read would be out for six weeks and the 31-year-old said he may not risk facing Samoa at Eden Park on June 16 with bigger challenges to come.

Asked about featuring in the Samoa clash, he told Radio Sport: “That’s probably a touch-and-go one – I think at the moment, they’re kind of saying you can’t use it for six weeks, that’s a week before that Samoa game, we’ll have to see if I push it or let things go.

“You can push it, (and) it’s the type of injury you can push, but that increases the risk of a re-break.

“It’s just a bit of time, to be honest.”

The All Blacks faces the Lions at the same iconic venue just eight days later and Read expects to be ready to face Warren Gatland’s men.

“I’ve played a number of Test matches and I’ve got the confidence in myself to turn up and play at a high level,” Read said.

“The biggest thing is to back myself, and I’ll be good.”