Brodie Retallick
Ma’a Nonu
New Zealand’s come-from-behind win over South Africa at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday has come at a price.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, in his 140th appearance for his country, produced the match-winning try with a pre-planned lineout move 6 minutes from time – as they came back from trailing by 7 points twice.
The All Black flank won a lineout close to the Springboks’ line and brushed off the challenge of scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar to score a try that will go a long way towards New Zealand claiming The Rugby Championship title.
However, injuries to key players will have cast a cloud over the team’s celebrations.
Coach Steve Hansen confirmed that centre Ma’a Nonu has damaged his rotator cuff in his shoulder.
“He will have scans done when he gets home (next week) to determine the extent of the injury,” Hansen told a post-match media briefing.
The other big concern is lock Brodie Retallick, who took to the field despite injuring his ankle during warm up.
Hansen said the lock “showed his character” to play through the match with the injury.
He, also, will be assessed upon the team’s return to New Zealand.
All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith required 3 stitches to his head after a collision with Bryan Habana.
It was an absorbing clash between the world’s top-ranked team, New Zealand, and 2nd-ranked South Africa – 2 teams who are among the favourites to win the World Cup in England in -September and October.
“We kept persevering when behind and took our opportunities when they came,” said McCaw, who needs 1 more cap to equal the world record of retired Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll.
“Keeping the Springboks scoreless when we were down to 14 men was crucial and we held our nerve before hitting back.
“Give credit to South Africa, too, as they had us under the pump during the 1st half. It was a satisfying victory, but we can do a lot better.”
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