Miracle cure sees Naholo get NZ nod
Print Edition
WAISAKE Naholo completed a stunning comeback from a broken leg when he was named in the New Zealand World Cup squad yesterday, while stalwarts Israel Dagg and Cory Jane missed out.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen selected 17 forwards and 14 backs to head to England to defend their world crown, putting his faith in the traditional Fiji medicine that appears to have healed Naholo’s fracture within a week.
The squad includes only three locks, allowing an extra loose forward to suit the All Blacks preference for a fast-paced game, while Colin Slade is included as a multi-purpose back who can cover scrum-half, fly-half, wing and fullback.
Hansen said the target for his reigning world champions is to become the first side to win consecutive World Cups.
“In doing so, we have to do something that no one has ever done before. But that is a hugely exciting challenge and one I believe the team will rise to,” he said.
Naholo, the top try scorer in Super rugby this year, suffered a leg fracture in his test debut against Argentina in July and was told by New Zealand doctors he would be sidelined for three months and his World Cup dream was over.
Instead of accepting the diagnosis, the blockbusting wing flew to Fiji where his cracked fibula was healed within a week of herbal treatment.
The wonder cure added to a congested line-up for the back-three positions with Hansen settling on Naholo, Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea.
The option of a fifth flyer was ruled out with the inclusion of Tawera Kerr-Barlow as a third scrum-half with Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara. That left no room for proven big-game performers Dagg and Jane, who played in the 2011 World Cup final when New Zealand beat France 8-7.
Richie McCaw will captain the side in his fourth World Cup as he seeks to become the first player to lift the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.
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