Uncapped halfback Kyle Preston threw an injury scare into the All Blacks’ camp while training with the squad at North Harbour Stadium today in preparation for their Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks this weekend.
Preston’s right ankle was being assessed by medical staff prior to limping away from training and might have been a concern for All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
Speaking to the media today, All Blacks Assistant Coach Scott Hansen says he was unaware of Preston’s injury as he was getting treatment on a bench while training resumed.
An All Blacks spokesperson said Preston was getting assessed for a cut on his ankle.
Robertson would not want another headache ahead of their test against the Springboks at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday night. The All Blacks are already short of available halfbacks with test experience, and the injury crisis might have worsened.
First-choice Cam Roigard has already been ruled out for up to a month because of a stress fracture in his foot, and Noah Hotham will be unavailable for about four weeks while recovering from surgery on an ankle.
Cortez Ratima is no certainty to play because he is nursing a fractured rib, although the 16-test No. 9 was training today.
Hansen says they are still keeping a close eye on him.
The All Blacks will host the Springboks at 7.05pm Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies will face Argentina at 4.30pm Saturday at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
