The 30-year-old former All Blacks wing is expected to be included in the Blues' 22-man squad as he prepares to play his first game of rugby for six months.

Lomu underwent a kidney transplant in 2004.

Blues coach David Young refused to confirm whether the 52-times capped superstar would start against the Italians.

"When we play Jonah is the question on everyone's lips at the minute," said Young.

"As soon as we feel he is ready to play he will play. In fairness to him he wants to get out there as soon as possible. But we aren't going to fast-track him. If we don't feel he is in a position to do himself justice, he won't want to play himself.

"It's something we have to monitor throughout the week. But he is coming through contact training and he is doing extra conditioning because he has been out for a while.

"I see him playing some part on Saturday as long as he comes through training."