A recuperating Tim Nanai Williams is in a race against time to be fit for the Chiefs' clash with the Sunwolves in Hamilton on Saturday.
The Samoan international utility back dislocated his shoulder in their 26-18 win over the Hurricanes in March and is keen to face the Japanese side having played club rugby in Japan for the Ricoh Rams for the last two seasons.
"It's feeling a lot stronger than it was six weeks ago and I'm getting a lot of strength in my muscles so hopefully it will be this week" he said.
Williams has played with Sunwolves No.8 Shuhei Matsuhashi at the Rams and is wary of a team that is stacked with internationals after the Brave Blossoms upset South Africa in 2015.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old admits he may face a tough decision in June when the Chiefs host the British and Irish Lions in Hamilton.
The match on June 20 falls three days before Samoa host Wales in Apia.
Williams will have to get permission from Samoan coach Alama Ieremia to face the Lions which would limit his preparation time for the international should he play in both games.
"I'll talk to both sides because the Lions is a big thing but playing for my country is also important. Hopefully we can get the best of both worlds," he said.
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