Woodcock gets all-clear for World Cup

Blues doctor Stephen Kara has allayed fears over New Zealand prop Tony Woodcock's fitness following weekend reports that he could miss the World Cup on home soil later this year due to a foot injury.

The 30-year-old had intended to start a running plan at Blues' training today but a stomach illness kept him away.

However, Kara said Woodcock was on a plan which, if it went well, would have him returning to playing for the second round of the ITM Cup when Auckland play Otago at Eden Park on Wednesday, July 20.

"He does not need surgery for his current problem," said Kara. "If he continues to have pain in that foot down the track then that [surgery] may be something that is considered at the end of the Rugby World Cup - not prior to that."