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Henry dismisses talks of resting players
Source: Agencies |
September 16, 2011, Friday
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NEW Zealand captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina will miss today's World Cup clash against Japan with leg injuries, leaving coach Graham Henry to fend off suggestions he was resting them for bigger challenges.
Henry was bullish in his denials the pair have been removed from the Japan match to rest them ahead of the much-anticipated clash with France in nine days time.
"No, that's not the case," the All Blacks coach said yesterday. "It's ridiculous, but I have to answer the question because it's been asked. There is no truth to that idea at all."
Keven Mealamu will lead the side in the absence of McCaw, who was set to become the first All Black to win 100 caps in the Pool A match in Hamilton.
Openside flanker McCaw had suffered a minor calf strain in his left leg, the team said yesterday.
Muliaina had a tight right hamstring while Israel Dagg, who is battling with the 98-test veteran for the starting fullback's role, sustained an abdominal strain on Wednesday.
"It was a bad day at the office as far as injuries are concerned but the good news is that all the injuries are not serious," All Blacks' doctor Deb Robinson said in a statement.
"There would be risk of further injury to these players if we let them play so we have withdrawn them.
"We will now concentrate on their rehabilitation with the aim of getting them ready to resume training next week to prepare for the France test (on September 24)."
Henry revealed Sonny Bill Williams, who will come off the bench for the Japan game, could be tried out in a different position during the match as the coaches' look to get him more involved.
"He's played all of this year, virtually, at 12 (inside centre) and we might try and play him elsewhere. You'll have to wait and see - I don't want to make any rash promises here.
Henry was bullish in his denials the pair have been removed from the Japan match to rest them ahead of the much-anticipated clash with France in nine days time.
"No, that's not the case," the All Blacks coach said yesterday. "It's ridiculous, but I have to answer the question because it's been asked. There is no truth to that idea at all."
Keven Mealamu will lead the side in the absence of McCaw, who was set to become the first All Black to win 100 caps in the Pool A match in Hamilton.
Openside flanker McCaw had suffered a minor calf strain in his left leg, the team said yesterday.
Muliaina had a tight right hamstring while Israel Dagg, who is battling with the 98-test veteran for the starting fullback's role, sustained an abdominal strain on Wednesday.
"It was a bad day at the office as far as injuries are concerned but the good news is that all the injuries are not serious," All Blacks' doctor Deb Robinson said in a statement.
"There would be risk of further injury to these players if we let them play so we have withdrawn them.
"We will now concentrate on their rehabilitation with the aim of getting them ready to resume training next week to prepare for the France test (on September 24)."
Henry revealed Sonny Bill Williams, who will come off the bench for the Japan game, could be tried out in a different position during the match as the coaches' look to get him more involved.
"He's played all of this year, virtually, at 12 (inside centre) and we might try and play him elsewhere. You'll have to wait and see - I don't want to make any rash promises here.
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