New Zealand’s injury problems have been eased with the return from injury of captain Richie McCaw, star fly-half Dan Carter, veteran fullback Mils Muliaina and utility back Israel Dagg.

The quartet were sidelined for the team’s 83-7 victory over Japan last week but took part in training today (Monday) and are likely to be ready to feature for the All Blacks this week.

"It looks like they're all on track to be available this Saturday," All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said.

"Richie had quite a big session and finished it doing some of the forward unit work. Daniel got through a bit of work today but he still is not 100%.

"The back is still stiff and a bit uncomfortable but I think the positive thing today was that he goal-kicked after training and that's a really good sign. Mils got through a lot more and is pretty close to right and Israel looked pretty free."

New Zealand take on France on Saturday, September 24.