All Blacks sweat as Slam looms
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:53
New Zealand, halfway to the much sought after Grand Slam on their tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, is sweating on the fitness of star prop Tony Woodcock.
Having easily disposed of Scotland and Ireland in the last fortnight, the All Blacks now head to Cardiff for the third leg on their Grand Slam quest, where they will face Wales on Saturday, before completing the venture with a Test against England.
Oh, yes, there is the small matter of a midweek encounter with Heineken Cup champions on Tuesday, but that part is being taken care of by the back-up players.
The real goal is the continue the unbeaten run by the world's top-ranked team - which have now seen them beat Australia (in Hong Kong), Scotland and Ireland on consecutive Saturdays.
But the quest was dealt a potentially crucial blow with the news of Woodcock's injury.
The prognosis on the prop's back injury appears positive, but All Blacks management say it is too early to determine whether he would be available for the Test against Wales in Cardiff this coming Saturday.
Woodcock was forced from the field during the final quarter of the All Blacks' 22-3 victory over Ireland at Croke Park, Dublin, at the weekend - after straining a muscle in his lower back.
"Woody's stiff and sore in the back, but he's better than he was on Saturday," said All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen.
"He still has to be looked at day by day to see how he comes through."
Hansen would not be drawn on whether the 47-cap loosehead would be available to pack down against Wales at Millennium Stadium, though in an encouraging sign he was being managed by the team's medical staff and did not require a scan.
The North Harbour farmer looms as a key figure as the All Blacks seek their third Grand Slam, particularly following Greg Somerville's imminent move to England and the loss of hooker Andrew Hore to an ankle injury five minutes into the tour opener against Australia in Hong Kong.
Woodcock has been a fixture in the All Blacks front row for the major Tests this season despite being plagued with a chronic foot injury.
Another injury concern is centre Conrad Smith, who appears to have aggravated his long-term groin problem when kicking the ball during the second half at Dublin.
At this stage his injury is not considered serious.
Like Woodcock, Smith was never in contention to face Munster as the All Blacks management take the opportunity to protect front line players for the test against Warren Gatland's Six Nations champions.
Hansen said the remainder of the 22-man squad who saw action against the Irish emerged unscathed other than the standard bumps and bruises.
"Everyone's pulled up really well," he said.
