All Blacks prop Owen Franks set to return for Super Rugby playoffs

The Crusaders will be without All Blacks' prop Owen Franks for their final Super Rugby matches against the Melbourne Rebels but should be fit for their playoff match.

Their final regular season game against the Rebels, will be Ryan Crotty's 150th game for the Christchurch franchise.

The Crusaders management hoped that Franks, who hasn't played since tearing a muscle against the Brumbies two months ago, would be fit to play in the red and blacks' final regular season match on Saturday.

However, the have delayed his return until the first playoff match while fellow All Blacks prop Tim Perry is back for the first time since breaking his arm in round one.

"Not quite strong enough, that shoulder," Scott Robertson said. "A couple of weeks will make a massive difference. He's training well, he's close, but not close enough."

Robertson confirmed he might ask Franks to play a club match next weekend while the Crusaders are on a bye week but has no doubt the 106-test tighthead won't miss a beat if thrust into a quarterfinal.