All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea could be back from knee surgery earlier than first thought, according to his former Hurricanes coach.
Savea, named last week as New Zealand Rugby's Player of the Year, was initially expected to be out of action for up to six months.
But former Hurricanes coach John Plumtree told media the dynamic loose forward could be back within four months.
On Thursday, Plumtree was elevated into an All Blacks assistant coaching role under new coach Ian Foster.
"Ardie Savea's injury isn't as bad as first thought, so he should be back in about three-and-a-half months," Plumtree told Newshub.
Plumtree's move to the All Blacks continued a tumultuous off-season for the 2016 Super Rugby champions, after influential All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett chose to join the Blues.
Savea's injury, which he sustained in the Rugby World Cup semi-final loss to England, and Plumtree's move to the All Blacks only added to their woes.
Plumtree's former assistant, Jason Holland, was promoted to the head coaching role at the Hurricanes.
Holland said that a possible transition had been discussed over the last few weeks, as they looked ahead to the 2020 Super Rugby season.
"We never really knew what was going to happen," Holland told reporters.
"Nailing our stuff here between 'Plum' and myself has been our focus, and that's made this transition a lot easier."
