Injured All Blacks edge closer to surprise comebacks

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HERE HE COMES: Former All Blacks lock Jason Eaton could make an earlier than expected comeback after a serious rugby injury.

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Injured All Blacks Andrew Hore and Jason Eaton could make unexpected returns for Taranaki this season.

Taranaki coach Colin Cooper said it was possible both players, who had initially been ruled out because of injury, could play ITM Cup matches in October.

"It would be nice to think both would be available and it's a possibility," Cooper said yesterday.

"I talked to Andrew at the weekend and, if he's right, he could play the last two games. He'll probably come up [from Otago] at the start of October."

Taranaki's final two pool games are against Wellington in Wellington on October 16 and North Harbour at Albany on October 23.

Cooper was more optimistic about having the services of Eaton, saying he could be playing as early as the first week in October.

"For the next four weeks, Jason will float in and out of training and maybe do some contact work. We'll see from there."

Hore, a 47-test veteran for the All Blacks, has been sidelined since dislocating his left shoulder playing for the Hurricanes against the Waratahs in Sydney in a Super 14 match in May. Hore could not be contacted yesterday.

Eaton, who has played 17 games for the All Blacks including 15 tests, and 31 games for Taranaki, suffered a serious injury to his left knee playing for the Hurricanes against the Lions in Wellington in late February.

If Eaton is fit again by the start of October, he could be available for the home games against Southland on October 2 and Manawatu on October 9, along with the final two away games.

Both Hore and Eaton would have to be playing ITM Cup rugby to be considered for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour to the United Kingdom.

"Things are going well. It's week by week," Eaton said. "I've been running for three or four weeks, nothing too strenuous. The medical team has been looking after me and they've done a great job."

Eaton said his recovery had gone a lot better than he expected.

"I've got two bionic knees now. This rehab has gone better than the first one.

"I've set monthly goals and I'm on track for those."

Eaton said he was looking forward to playing again.

"I've put a lot of hard work into the rehab, but the break has also been good. I've been keeping an eye on Taranaki and the boys are going well. They're back on track and just have to keep on building."

Taranaki's next ITM Cup game is against Auckland at Eden Park on Sunday.

- © Fairfax NZ News