Cory Jane will make his long-awaited return to rugby for the unbeaten Wellington Lions against Auckland at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.



However, it remains unclear whether the 30-year-old will return from knee surgery as part of the starting XV or come off the bench.



Jane tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee during a Hurricanes preseason training session in January and hasn't played rugby since the All Blacks lost to England at Twickenham on December 1 last year.



Lions coach Chris Boyd will sit down with Jane today to nut out a plan for game-day, but said yesterday there were no medical restrictions in place.



"As far as I'm concerned his return to play date, from all medical people concerned is next Saturday against Auckland and I haven't seen any evidence why that should change or be different.



"The expectation is unless something has happened in Australia, where he has been attending a wedding, then he'll be available for selection in some form at the weekend.



"I haven't discussed with him whether he'll come off the bench or start."



That decision may be linked to the return of another high-profile Wellington back in Samoan test utility Alapati Leiua.



Leiua is set for his first appearance of the season after recovering from a knee injury.



"Alapati is back to play this week and keen to start," Boyd said. "I'd be surprised if we get 80 minutes out of either of them, so they may end up job sharing. I'm not sure."



The chances of one of the pair starting on the wing are increased by the absence of Ambrose Curtis, who will attend the New Zealand sevens team's training camp in Mt Maunganui.



Centre Tim Bateman is expected to return after missing the Waikato match with a hip injury, meaning Charlie Ngatai is likely to return to fullback.



However Jane and Leiua are used, there is little doubt they will provide a boost to the Lions' ranks a fortnight from the semifinals.



Auckland suddenly shape as a team riding a wave of confidence after their surprisingly big 39-19 win over Canterbury in Auckland.



And though he couldn't help but be impressed with Auckland's performance, Boyd noted the NPC schedule had probably played a part.



"Auckland had a nine-day turnaround whereas Canterbury went Wellington, Manawatu mid-week, then a third game in eight days," he said.



A win over Auckland would ensure Wellington gain a home semifinal.