Umaga future clearer tomorrow

Tana Umaga’s World Cup future will become clearer tomorrow when the New Zealand management make a “more definite decision” on his badly injured left knee.

The All Blacks’ vice-captain ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament in Saturday’s 70-7 victory over Italy and his future participation in the tournament hangs in grave doubt.

The medics have been waiting on the swelling to subside before making a more genuine assessment of whether the 30-year-old stands any chance of featuring again during the All Blacks’ campaign.

Head coach John Mitchell insisted he wanted to give Umaga as much time as possible to recover, but the protocol within the All Blacks squad is that he would need at least a week of preparation before being considered for selection.

Mitchell would not give a deadline by which Umaga must be available to remain in the squad, but any possible match – be it the quarter-finals or beyond – will become clearer tomorrow following the medics’ latest assessments.

Mitchell said: “The next three weeks are important that we get preparation, certainly a week’s preparation so he can perform.

“We are very keen on our players getting a week’s preparation under their belt before we consider them for selection.

“It is not only the return of the injury but the amount of conditioning he can do during his rehab.

“There are a whole load of factors to consider before I can give you that decision.

“We’ll make another assessment tomorrow, we have been waiting for the swelling to come down after the injury. There will certainly be a more definite decision.

“We want to give him every chance. We value him highly. He has enormous presence on the field, he is our vice-captain and has put a lot of work into this tournament.”

Lock Norm Maxwell is in Australia on standby to join up if need be, a decision that would alter the mix of the squad after Mitchell named only three genuine second-rowers in his original 30.

Mitchell has enviable depth in midfield, but turned to Maxwell after Ali Williams broke a bone in his foot.

Williams trained today at the Collingwood Aussie Rules ground and took part in his first contact session.

Mitchell continued: “The one surprise injury we didn’t expect, based on our selection, was Ali’s; hence the reason why we need to improve our resources in that area.”

World Cup rules dictate Maxwell cannot stay in the team hotel and must train on his own until a decision is made on Umaga’s future.

“We need to get through this match first before we make any final decision and naturally we are waiting on Tana’s situation,” said Mitchell.

Coaching co-ordinator Robbie Deans said the selectors’ hand could be forced if another injury is sustained during Friday’s Pool D clash with Canada.

He said: “The key thing is how quickly he can become mobile, but there are other factors as well.

“If we get other breakages that may force our hand.”

Umaga’s spot at outside centre has been taken by Ma’a Nonu, who replaced him with impressive effect against the Italians.

Nonu made his Test debut in the June defeat to England and had to wait until last weekend for a second run-out and Mitchell was full of praise for the 21-year-old’s patience and determination.

He explained: “It’s a real credit to Ma’a. He made his debut against England, a difficult one for us collectively. Individually he could have found it difficult not getting another start during the domestic series.

“But his work ethic, his willingness to learn and his enthusiasm is just outstanding and we are really pleased, as coaching staff, to see the response we got against Italy.

“I think it’s important to give him more time on the ground going forward, he will only benefit from that.”

Mitchell makes a total of nine personnel changes for Friday’s game against Canada, including the entire front row.

Nonu will partner Daniel Carter in midfield, who assumes the kicking responsibilities from new vice-captain Carlos Spencer after the fly-half missed three of his four attempts against Italy.

Mils Muliaina switches from fullback to start his first Test on the wing, making room for the return of Leon MacDonald, while Steve Devine will start at scrum-half.

Rodney So’oialo comes into number eight and Marty Holah starts on the open-side, with Ritchie McCaw relegated to the bench.

Involved in his first Test match, hooker Corey Flynn will start from the bench.

New Zealand team to play Canada on Friday is: L MacDonald; M Muliaina, M Nonu, D Carter, C Ralph,; C Spencer, S Devine; C Hoeft, M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, C Jack, R Thorne (captain), M Holah, R So’oialo.

Replacements: C Flynn, D Hewett, R McCaw, D Braid, B Kelleher, D Howlett, B Blair.