New Zealand suffered a setback ahead of the second Tri-Nations Test against South Africa, with centre Richard Kahui ruled out of the encounter in Wellington.
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With scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan and wing Joe Rokocoko also still doubtful for the return fixture, after suffering injuries in the 32-12 hammering of the Springboks in Auckland at the weekend, coach Graham Henry has called up some cover.
Wing Zac Guildford and scrumhalf Alby Mathewson have been called into the squad ahead of the second Test,
Kahui injured his right shoulder when he fell awkwardly, after coming on as a late replacement for Rokocoko – who himself suffered a hamstring strain. Cowan has an abdominal strain, which forced him from the field in the second half.
Henry said Kahui would have further medical tests on his shoulder this week to assess the seriousness of the injury, but he is not available for the trip to Wellington.
“Also, with the injuries to Joe [Rokocoko] and Jimmy [Cowan], we thought it prudent to bring in Zac [Guilford] and Alby [Mathewson] as cover,” Henry said.
Guildford was dropped for the Tri-Nations after last month’s Tests against Ireland and Wales, while Mathewson toured with the All Blacks last year.
The Bokke need to completely rethink their defensive and ground-ball strategies, also need to work hard on set-phase (scrums and lineouts) this week…. we were just so bloody woeful on defence and in set-piece, it was actually hard to watch.
The All Blacks will be brimming with renewed confidence after Saturday and will be looking to twist the knife very hard this coming weekend.