Robinson not ready for full return

Keith Robinson may have played half a game of club rugby, but the New Zealand lock does not expect to be fronting up for the Chiefs on Friday night.

Robinson has been out of action for over seven months after undergoing surgery on his back and his knee.

But having been a frustrated spectator for so long, Robinson finally pulled on his boots to turn out for club side Morrinsville Sports last Friday and neither his back nor his knee had caused him concern during the match.

However the game left his lungs burning and he confirmed that he was too short of fitness to make an early comeback against the Hurricanes this Friday.

"This gives me encouragement, definitely," he said. "I can see myself back playing again but it just all depends on when."