Christian Cullen's comeback could start as soon as the match against Taranaki in New Plymouth on Friday night.

The injured All Blacks fullback ran with freedom at Tuesday's Wellington training, and if given a clearance later in the week could start Wellington's second NPC match.

Cullen had an operation on his right knee almost two months ago and his return hinges on how the knee recovers from the training session. Cullen took a full part in the backline's run late in the session and was involved in discussions as well.

There is a chance he could start with some time in the Wellington Development team, but on Tuesday Wellington coach David Rennie said it would probably be with the top team if he was cleared by All Blacks medical staff.

"He wants to play as soon as possible," Rennie said. "He needs an absolute clearance before that. He had a good runaround yesterday (Monday) with the fitness trainer. He trained again today and it'll be interesting to see how the knee reacts.

"There's a question mark whether we include him this week or not, but we're pretty confident he'll be available the following week."

There's a good chance that recovering flanker Kupu Vanisi will take some part in Friday's game. He played 70 minutes on Sunday for Wellington B against Bay of Plenty B without problems and trained well on Tuesday night.

Rennie and forward coach Graham Mourie were looking at a tape of that game on Wednesday to assess Vanisi's work. "If we're going to use him, the best scenario is probably to start with him and see how long he can last," Rennie said.

The two comeback players aside, the team looks to be similar to that which played without the fire necessary to hold out Bay of Plenty on Sunday, though No 8 Jerry Collins is nursing a bruised arm.

Likely Wellington 15: Christian Cullen or Shannon Paku, Brad Fleming, Jason O'Halloran, Lome Fa'atau, Paul Steinmetz, David Holwell, Jason Spice, Jerry Collins, Filo Tiatia, Inoke Afeaki, Milton Ngamauo, Rodney So'oialo or Kupu Vanisi, Tim Fairbrother, Norm Hewitt (capt), Sam Johnstone. - Sapa-