All Blacks coach Steve Hansen admits he’s anxious about the prospect of being without powerhouse centre Ma’a Nonu for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup clash in Auckland.
The destructive midfielder was forced off midway through the second half of Saturday night’s 12-12 draw in game one in Sydney with a shoulder injury and he was to have scans after returning to New Zealand on Sunday.
Hansen admits the 32-year-old is in serious doubt for the return leg at Eden Park.
“I’d say we’d be sweating on whether or not he will be right next week,” Hansen said on Sunday.
With veteran Conrad Smith missing the series opener to be with his expectant wife, Hansen had to hastily reshuffle his centres on Friday, bringing in two-Test rookie Malakai Fekitoa to partner Nonu.
The coach said Smith was likely to be available this weekend but, if Nonu isn’t, the All Blacks will have to bank on another new midfield combination to combat Australia’s Adam Ashley-Cooper and Matt Toomua, presuming Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie retains his reliable duo.
Ryan Crotty, rushed into the squad on first Test match eve as cover for Smith, will remain with the All Blacks this week.
But Hansen will almost certainly start with Smith and Fekitoa if Smith is available.
“I’m sure we’ll get Conrad back at some stage this week … things seem to be progressing okay there,” he said.
Blindside flanker Jerome Kaino is also an injury concern after hurting his elbow in the opening minute at ANZ Stadium.
Kaino will also have scans, while fellow flanker Richie McCaw said he should be fine to back up despite also suffering a shoulder injury in Sydney.
“I just got a good stinger down there early on but we’ll see how we come through,” the skipper said.
“I think we’ll be right.”
Hamish
Guest
I think everyone is forgetting about Ben Smith as an option here. Smith into the centres, Dagg to fullback, or Jane to fullback with a replacement winger. With the likes of SBW, Gear and potentially Kahui returning this is only a temporary issue.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
I'd like to see Crotty get a crack because i feel he has earned it. Fekitoa would be ok by me also but my vote goes to Crotty.
vman
Guest
actually most of the abs injuries were from running into each other
Common Sense
Guest
I enjoyed Folau's hit on Nic White.
Tom Groggin
Roar Rookie
Conrad Smith out one week, Nonu the next. Highlights how useful SBW is to the AB's as cover.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Ironic that Nonu suffered a shoulder injury given his penchant for shoulder charging. I agree that Crotty was very good when he came on. With Conrad Smith outside, the centres will not be a weakness. Fekitoa was not embarrassed but he was only ever a seat warmer for someone like Conrad Smith.
willy
Guest
He didn't hit him hard enough
zer0
Guest
I would tend to agree, however a Cortty/Smith midfield would struggle to directly breach (i.e. bosh across) the gain line if/when its required. Though I suppose bringing Savea in-field for set plays could be a work around.
James in NZ
Guest
I enjoyed Folau's hit on Peyper.
maximillian
Guest
Havent seen much of Fekitoa at 12 so thats a risk IMO if Nonu is out. I thought Crotty did well when he came on for the ABs & came up with some strong defensive plays so I would prefer him to start at 12 with Smith at 13.
rouaan
Guest
I think it is OK to say the WBs did bring some physicality to the match...