The Highlanders had a training session yesterday morning, with speedy winger Fetu'u Vainikolo running freely.
Vainikolo has been troubled by a hamstring strain for more than a month, and was unavailable for the side's pre-season warm-up match against the Blues at North Harbour Stadium last Thursday.
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore said Vainikolo's injury had improved over the weekend.
Before the weekend he was thought to have a 50-50 chance of playing at best, but he was probably a better prospect now.
But Vainikolo still had to be put under real pressure with the injury, and he would be assessed over the next couple of days.
Midfield back Johnny Leota was a concern with problems with his ribs.
It was initially thought he had damaged his rib cartilage, but it is now believed the damage is to the area behind the cartilage.
Moore said Leota was a wait-and-see proposition, but he had not been ruled out for Friday night's opener against the Brumbies.
The Brumbies named a 23-player squad yesterday to travel to Dunedin, and the team is expected to arrive in the city tomorrow.
There was concern over Highlanders No 8 Steven Setephano straining his groin, but he will be available for Friday night, along with lock Ross Kennedy, who is over a calf worry.
Lock Tom Donnelly is the only player definitely unavailable for Friday's match at this stage, after having an operation to repair ruptured ligaments on his right thumb.
He is expected back in about a month.
Moore conceded that was a good position to be in, with only one player definitely unavailable, and said the players were getting excited about the game.
"There is definitely more of an edge to this week and the players are excited about playing the game," Moore said.
"We want to continue that excitement right up to game day but in saying that we need to be calm and composed in playing the game."
The side had a light training run yesterday, working on its accuracy from the kick-offs and the returning of kicks.
If Vainikolo does not play his place is likely to be taken by Kendrick Lynn, while Jayden Hayward is likely to play at second five-eighth.
But if Leota is available, his experience may see him wear the No 12 jersey.
The Brumbies are likely to start Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock at second five-eighth with Adam Ashley-Cooper outside him.
