All Black lock Troy Flavell took a full role in the team's training session at Victoria University on Monday, but five players were on the sidelines.

The All Blacks take on France in a one-off Test on Saturday. Flavell suffered a rib injury when Pumas prop Roberto Grau kneed him in the ribs in Saturday's Test in Christchurch.

Flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens and fullback Leon MacDonald have haematomas on their thigh and hip, respectively, but team doctor John Mayhew said they should take a full part in training on Tuesday and be available for selection.

Hooker Mark Hammett and lock Chris Jack also missed the practice with sore ankles, but they are also expected to be cleared to play. Mayhew said loose forward Jerry Collins was also making encouraging progress after popping the AC joint in his left shoulder in the Test against Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday.

Collins trained in the gym this morning but sat out the on-field session in the afternoon.

"Jerry's shoulder has settled down quite nicely and there's a real possibility he could be available - he is improving rapidly," Mayhew said.

He also moved to allay concerns about Collins taking the field again at Jade Stadium after he suffered the injury, saying Collins did not risk further damage by playing on.

There was equally no pressure on Collins to make a quick return this week. "We are not trying to coerce him into playing or training," Mayhew said.

Meanwhile, Mayhew said fullback Christian Cullen was back cycling and swimming after having surgery on his knee earlier this month, and would start some light running on Friday.

But it was impossible to predict whether Cullen would be available for the opening Tri-Nations Test against South Africa in Cape Town on July 21.

"It really depends on how he responds to the increased workload. If he's okay, then that's good, but if it flares up we'll have to ease him off. We're obviously being very conservative and we are not going to push him," Mayhew said. - Sapa-NZPA