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All Blacks officials have played down concerns that the Kiwi side has received an unfair advantage by using several local Super Rugby players in their training sessions.
Canterbury Crusaders flanker Andy Todd has been sighted at All Blacks training this week, and earlier in the tournament before the All Blacks game against France, as doubts over the fitness of skipper Richie McCaw grow.
Several Auckland Blues players have also been sighted providing opposition at All Blacks training.
Officials from other World Cup countries state that this has given New Zealand an unfair advantage as it enables them to bring in new players, outside of their squad, and get them accustomed to team tactics and plays if they are later brought into the team.
This morning, All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen stated that Richie McCaw’s injured foot is “fine”.
He also implied that he didn’t care that opposing teams think New Zealand is bending Rugby World Cup rules by involving potential replacements in squad practice sessions.
“I can guess what the first question is so I’m going to answer it for you,” Hansen said.
“Richie McCaw’s foot is fine. Matt Todd is training with us, as you all know and have written about.”
Under Rugby World Cup rules a replacement player can only be brought into a country’s squad 48 hours after the injured players has been officially ruled out of the competition, and the injured player cannot return to the World Cup at a later date.
All Blacks officials told media that Todd was due to be in Auckland anyway on holiday.
New Zealand has been hit with several serious injuries to big-name stars, with fly half Dan Carter and Mils Muliaina both ruled out, Colin Slade going down with injury in the quarter-final against Argentina.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.