Decision due on Cullen return
July 25, 2001

New Zealand full back Christian Cullen is targeting a possible return to action on August 3 after undergoing knee surgery.

As his recovery continues he may be used in a Wellington NPC warm-up against Otago but will almost certainly not be available for New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup encounter with Australia a week later.

His possible return in nine days, however, could signal a return to the international fold in time for the Tri-Nations clash with South Africa on August 25.

Whether or not he plays against Otago will be determined next week when he joins the All Black squad in Christchurch. Wellington coach Dave Rennie told New Zealand's Evening Post:

"He's not there yet. The initial plan was to give him a run against Otago, but he needs to improve a little bit on where he's at to make that. He has improved heaps, running reasonably freely.

"But it's the slowing down and changing direction situation which is causing a little bit of pain. He's hit a bit of a plateau in improvement, but that's common, so he may struggle to make Otago."

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