Umaga targets quarter-final return

Injured New Zealand centre Tana Umaga is targeting a staggering return from injury by the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The All Blacks vice-captain ruptured the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the opening victory over Italy 11 days ago.

His World Cup future hung in grave doubt and with Ali Williams also struggling, head coach John Mitchell placed Norm Maxwell on stand-by.

But the Canterbury lock was stood down today and will fly home – a clear indication that the injury crisis, which only last week threatened to swamp the All Blacks’ World Cup campaign, had receded.

Williams, who fractured a bone in his foot during New Zealand’s preparations, has been training well this last week and will make his World Cup bow against Tonga on Friday.

Meanwhile, Umaga has stepped up his rehabilitation from light cycling and walking in the swimming pool to include jogging.

When Mitchell announced last week Umaga would remain with the squad, he revealed the situation would be reassessed today.

And after initially refusing to put a date on his return – “I don’t want to disappoint anyone, especially myself,” said Umaga – the hope within the All Blacks camp is that he could return for the quarter-final stage.

“He’s jogging now – he’s progressed from cycling and swimming,” Mitchell said.

This week is essential for him in his rehab.

“At this stage, we are looking to see whether he would be available by quarter-final time.

“He’s on track for that, but there are no guarantees.”

Should the All Blacks win Pool D as expected, that would most likely mean a highly-anticipated showdown with South Africa.

Umaga’s place at outside centre for the game against Tonga will be taken by Leon MacDonald, the only member of the current squad who will not be available for the All Blacks after this World Cup.

Normally a full-back, MacDonald was unable to agree terms with the New Zealand Rugby Union and will pursue his rugby career in Japan.

MacDonald joins big names like Christian Cullen and Taine Randell, who did not sign new deals and instead will play their rugby in Ireland and England respectively.

“He’ll be a big loss to New Zealand,” said All Blacks coach co-ordinator Robbie Deans.

“You’ve only got to look at the mix at the moment and contemplate losing him.

“He’s a big part of the glue of the team because of his ability to play a number of positions and with his skills, goalkicking being one of them.”

Meanwhile, Maxwell is planning to take next year off but is discussing his commitment through to the end of 2005 with the NZRU.