Umaga eyeing miracle return

Tana Umaga’s World Cup dream remains alive today after New Zealand medics cleared him to resume training only four days after rupturing the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The All Blacks vice-captain was scheduled for a light cycle in the gym followed by a walk in the swimming pool, developments head coach John Mitchell described as “outstanding news”.

Indications from the specialists are that Umaga could even escape without requiring surgery, but much of that depends on what is discovered as the swelling continues to subside.

Umaga’s condition is to be reassessed next Tuesday, with Norm Maxwell to remain in Melbourne on standby.

“It is still a major injury, but we are very positive,” said Mitchell.

“To commence cycling and start walking in the pool four days post injury is quite outstanding.

“There is the potential he could play in this World Cup again.”

Mitchell would not put a date or deadline on any possible return for Umaga, but as an experienced player he will remain a member of the squad as long as there is a chance he could play.

Due to the swelling, the medical team still do not know the full extent of the injury, sustained in a midfield collision with team-mate Carlos Spencer in New Zealand’s opening World Cup victory over Italy.

“I think we’ll get a better idea through rehab,” said Mitchell.

“There is a lot more knee-bend. It has come down but there is still swelling in behind the back of the knee.”

Umaga was in the physio room this morning and upbeat about beginning the long journey through rehab.

“He looks really refreshed. Every day he has made progress, he seems extremely positive,” said Mitchell.

“Having spoken to him this morning, and with him about to commence rehab, that is a really good sign.

“He will be that much better after having done the pool session and the cycle, really just getting the body moving will be good for him.”

New Zealand also have Aaron Mauger out with bruised bone and cartilage in his knee, limiting their options at outside centre.

But Mitchell still boasts enviable depth, with Ma’a Nonu to start against Canada, and Leon MacDonald, Mils Muliaina and Caleb Ralph all capable of filling the role if need be.

As a result, Mitchell has not placed a midfield back on standby, leaving Maxwell, a second rower, as the squad’s “insurance policy”.

Lock Ali Williams is still on the comeback trail from a fractured bone in his foot.