OMEN
09-10-2007, 09:16 PM
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NOT ANOTHER: Chris Jack is the latest All Black lock to be injured as he receives treatment on a shoulder injury suffered in a training collision with winger Sitiveni Sivivatu.
All Blacks selectors may be forced to play Sione Lauaki at lock after Chris Jack became the latest second rower to throw an injury scare into the World Cup squad.
With Keith Robinson and Reuben Thorne already on injured list, Radio Sport has reported Jack today (NZ time) suffered a knock to his shoulder after a collision with winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and left the training field with ice on his shoulder.
If Jack's reported injury proves serious, it would leave Ali Williams as the only fit lock in the squad and probably push Lauaki into a starting position against competition lightweights, Portugal, this Saturday night (NZ time).
Lauaki was a second half replacement in the second row during the weekend's romp over Italy as Robinson (calf) and Thorne (hamstring) missed selection and the pair now seemed poised to sit out the Portugal match in Lyon.
Prop Tony Woodcock (calf strain) and centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) were able to take a full part in a training session at Stade Jean Bouin in Marseille yesterday. But Thorne and Robinson were relegated to more minor roles. They were put through some drills, including a stint on the scrum machine before retiring to the sidelines.
The coaching staff have said they would have a "managed workload'' this week and Henry will name his starting lineup tonight (NZ time).
Robinson and Thorne both carried injuries into the tour and Henry admitted on arrival in France that Robinson would miss the first two matches.
Thorne, one of two All Blacks at his third World Cup tournament, was named on the reserves bench for last weekend's game against Italy but had to withdraw after he and Smith failed late fitness tests.
Henry has said he would give Robinson every chance to prove his fitness before contemplating calling for a replacement.
But with Thorne and Robinson now on the casualty list, his only locking back-up is Waikato backrower Sione Lauaki who replaced Williams against Italy.
Henry has said he plans to give every All Black game-time in the first two matches, which means there will be wholesale changes to the starting lineup.
Richie McCaw, who also took a minor knock to a shoulder at practice yesterday, could be due for a rest with Chris Masoe slated to start on the openside.
Thorne, the 2003 World Cup skipper, may have been a candidate to captain the All Blacks against Portugal. Midfielder Aaron Mauger, or backrowers Rodney So'oialo or Jerry Collins, could now take over the leadership role.
Fairfax Media
NOT ANOTHER: Chris Jack is the latest All Black lock to be injured as he receives treatment on a shoulder injury suffered in a training collision with winger Sitiveni Sivivatu.
All Blacks selectors may be forced to play Sione Lauaki at lock after Chris Jack became the latest second rower to throw an injury scare into the World Cup squad.
With Keith Robinson and Reuben Thorne already on injured list, Radio Sport has reported Jack today (NZ time) suffered a knock to his shoulder after a collision with winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and left the training field with ice on his shoulder.
If Jack's reported injury proves serious, it would leave Ali Williams as the only fit lock in the squad and probably push Lauaki into a starting position against competition lightweights, Portugal, this Saturday night (NZ time).
Lauaki was a second half replacement in the second row during the weekend's romp over Italy as Robinson (calf) and Thorne (hamstring) missed selection and the pair now seemed poised to sit out the Portugal match in Lyon.
Prop Tony Woodcock (calf strain) and centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) were able to take a full part in a training session at Stade Jean Bouin in Marseille yesterday. But Thorne and Robinson were relegated to more minor roles. They were put through some drills, including a stint on the scrum machine before retiring to the sidelines.
The coaching staff have said they would have a "managed workload'' this week and Henry will name his starting lineup tonight (NZ time).
Robinson and Thorne both carried injuries into the tour and Henry admitted on arrival in France that Robinson would miss the first two matches.
Thorne, one of two All Blacks at his third World Cup tournament, was named on the reserves bench for last weekend's game against Italy but had to withdraw after he and Smith failed late fitness tests.
Henry has said he would give Robinson every chance to prove his fitness before contemplating calling for a replacement.
But with Thorne and Robinson now on the casualty list, his only locking back-up is Waikato backrower Sione Lauaki who replaced Williams against Italy.
Henry has said he plans to give every All Black game-time in the first two matches, which means there will be wholesale changes to the starting lineup.
Richie McCaw, who also took a minor knock to a shoulder at practice yesterday, could be due for a rest with Chris Masoe slated to start on the openside.
Thorne, the 2003 World Cup skipper, may have been a candidate to captain the All Blacks against Portugal. Midfielder Aaron Mauger, or backrowers Rodney So'oialo or Jerry Collins, could now take over the leadership role.
Fairfax Media