All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, talking to the Dominion Post's Liam Napier, claims he is confident in his match fitness.
"Tony Woodcock admits to doubts, but is now confident he is ready to play his first match for All Blacks this year after just 40 minutes of rugby in over three months.
Woodcock, who conceded he was carrying "a couple" of extra kilograms, will go into next week's clash against the battle-hardened, refreshed and full-strength Springboks in Port Elizabeth after just half a game for North Harbour.
The world's premier loosehead and most-capped All Black prop has endured a frustrating and prolonged recovery from his curious mid-foot ligament sprain, and then picked up a hamstring twinge in his brief outing for Harbour.
That limited preparation is hardly ideal for the physical test match intensity and combative nature of the front-row, but with two matches before the World Cup, the big and brutal Boks are set to provide a measuring stick as to whether Woodcock is up to the task."
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