McCaw to miss four Tri-Nations Tests
Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:38
Out injured: No Tri-Nations for Richie McCaw
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is set to miss their first four Tri-Nations matches after suffering an ankle injury in the second Test against England on Saturday.
The inspirational flank was diagnosed with a high ankle ligament strain after limping off in the 27th minute.
He will be sidelined for at least six weeks, meaning he will miss the two Tests against South Africa and the two Australia - although it is hoped he would be fit for trip to South Africa in mid-August.
But lock Ali Williams, who suffered a sprained ankle against England, could be fit for their Tri-Nations opener.
New Zealand play the Springboks in Wellington on July 5, and again the following Saturday in Dunedin.
They then face the Wallabies in Sydney on July 26 before hosting them the following week in Auckland.
Although the 27-year-old second row forward, Williams, is in doubt for the encounter South Africa on July 5, his availability will be reviewed when the All Blacks re-assemble in Wellington this week.
McCaw was the only specialist openside flank in the All Blacks squad, and there was no immediate decision on a replacement.
New Zealand Maori openside Daniel Braid, part of the wider All Blacks training squad, also has a leg injury.
In other injury updates it is reported that scrumhalf Brendon Leonard continues to be troubled by a knee injury and will have arthroscopic surgery this week.
The procedure means the Chiefs player is unavailable for approximately six weeks. Leonard's injury, that involves bone bruising and a cartilage tear, dates back to April and has been reaggravated by exercise.
Highlanders scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan will remain with the All Blacks squad as a replacement player.
Prop Tony Woodcock's return in the win over England at the weekend was successful, while tighthead prop John Afoa continues to make good progress following a ligament injury sustained against Ireland two weeks ago.
Afoa will play club or provincial rugby this coming weekend as a further step in his rehabilitation. With Afoa progressing, it is expected that neither Ben Franks or John Schwalger will assemble with the All Blacks squad for the Tri-Nations.
However, head coach Graham Henry could take heart from the form of star flyhalf Daniel Carter, who scored 22 points for the second week running with another imperious display in the 44-12 victory.
"I think he's played pretty well, especially in these last two games," said Henry. "He's gone up a couple of notches from where he was in the Super 14 and recent internationals.
"I think he's enjoying his rugby and wants to express himself, he's obviously kicking beautifully and scoring the odd try. He ran the ship well, he's prepared to have a crack and he's opening defences".
Henry said he was satisfied with the performance but admitted there needed to be improvements ahead of their Tri-Nations opener against world champions South Africa.
"We're reasonably happy, 44-12 is a good result against a good England team so we're pleased with that," he added.
"We got better as the game went on but still have a lot to work on. But we are scoring tries from set piece which is very positive.
"The English had some opportunities which didn't go their way, they could have been a lot closer at half-time. I thought they played better than they did last week in patches".
