All Blacks stalwart Tony Woodcock might miss the rest of the season, but coach Steve Hansen is still relentlessly upbeat about the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Although the loosehead prop was kitted out in training gear at the All Blacks training camp in Auckland on Thursday, he took a low-key part in proceedings as he looks to recover from continuing shoulder problems.
Hansen says the 110-Test veteran will miss at least the first two Tests in the Rugby Championship, which begins on August 16 against Australia in Sydney, but could be out for at least five months if he needs surgery.
However, Hansen has been encouraged by the depth shown in the position, with Joe Moody and Wyatt Crockett being pushed hard by Tim Perry, Kane Hames, Pauliasi Manu and Motu Matu’u.
“The young fellas have shown they’re not too far away – I’m quietly confident we’ve got enough to fill any gaps if Woody has to go and get surgery,” Hansen said.
“His shoulder’s pretty loose. We’ll just see what happens over the next seven days, then make a decision from there.”
If surgery went ahead as looks increasingly likely, Hansen said Woodcock would benefit hugely from the time off.
“There’s no point in mucking around. If it’s not going to be right then we may as well get it operated on, and he’ll get his first free season of some note for 12 years.
“He’ll get six or seven months before he has to play again. And when you’ve been on the circuit as long as he has, that’s valuable time.
“It’ll refresh him up and we’ll get a revitalised Tony Woodcock.”
Hansen said this week’s training camp wasn’t specifically focused on the upcoming match against Australia, with the emphasis more centred around improving skills.
But given the form shown by the Waratahs and Brumbies in Super Rugby, he admitted the Wallabies would provide tough opposition.
“I think they’ve always been a legitimate threat,” he said.
“Aussie rugby’s in good nick, and they’ve got one or two people who are game-breakers.
“Israel Folau is pretty special, and when you’ve got those types of people in your team, they can really turn the game around.”
Pirjas
Guest
Agree, Smith and Dagg on the pitch worked a treat last year.
Harry Jones
Guest
At 15, Smith or Dagg? I'd shift Ben to wing, keep Dagg at the back; have Jane on the bench.
Winston
Guest
I hope he nails a spot. He'd definitely have a few work ons. But he would make opposition think twice about running hisi way.
Firstxv
Guest
Matu'u should look good in the black jersey with his big hits...crazy tackler...
Crackle
Guest
Agree with sentiments here. Woody's a top chap and just needs a little maintenance to bring him through to RWC in prime shape. Hames or Moody? well both look to have the potential to move up IMO. Great to have options. Only slightly worrying thing about AB squad is that all the key AB's have been showing great form in SR, compared with the past couple of seasons. Hope this is a good omen for an even better RC
Old Bugger
Guest
Ric Well said. I think Woody will be peed off he needs an op but if he has intentions for the RWC next year, then this break will suit him fine to recharge the batteries. Oh and props don't even know what age means especially when everyone keeps saying that props never reach their full potential until at least, 35+ years old.... I'd also like to see Hames promoted but my suspicions will be Moody - Moody's no slouch btw but Hames will probably follow after Crockett and Woody in next year's pecking order.
Riccardo
Guest
A lot of opposition fans point to Woody's age and use by date in their criticisms of him and the All Blacks. The fact is he remains one of the best looseheads in the world and is an integral part of that pack - he will be missed. (I've met hima couple of times as he hutnt with my in-laws. He's a pretty decent bloke and was great with the kids). It does almost provide the perfect opportunity for the younger brigade though. I'd go straight to Kane Hames. He is young, strong and fearless. He appears to have pretty decent technique and this sort of exposure may see him come aloing quickly. He is a genuine talent. Assessing him in what is a pretty soft tight five for the highlanders would be a little tough. Isn't Motu a hooker?