Owen Franks is the only prospective injury concern for the All Blacks ahead of the build‑up for their Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia in Sydney next week.
When announcing the squad for the series, coach Steve Hansen said Franks’ Achilles tendon was an on‑going issue, although it had been nursed through the British and Irish Lions campaign and they would consider their options.
Hansen suggested they may need an immediate short‑term option and then a longer term approach in order to keep him fit for the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign.
The coach added that if it was not coming right, he may need a break.
The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at 10pm next Saturday in the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship opener.
Source: PlanetRugby
