All Blacks World Cup preparations receive boost as Tony Woodcock and Isaia Toeava return
All Blacks’ 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) preparations received a major boost as the injured duo New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) players of Tony Woodcock and Isaia Toeava will play their comeback games for their respective provincial sides in their upcoming
ITM Cup encounters.
Steve Hansen of the All Blacks has confirmed the return of the duo from their respective injuries on Wednesday, July 27. He stated that Woodcock will take the field in North Harbour's upcoming ITM Cup match against Manawatu. Meanwhile, Toeava will take the
field for Auckland, in their upcoming ITM Cup encounter against Taranaki on Sunday.
Tony Woodcock sustained a foot injury, while Isaia Toeava was suffering from a hip injury.
Hansen added that he is satisfied with the fitness level of Woodcock. He confirmed that Tuesday’s game for Harbour will help them further assess his fitness level and if he comes through he might be included in the All Blacks squad for their South African
trip for the 2011 Tri Nations.
Additionally, this will enable them to be available for the selection for All Blacks for their final 30-man RWC squad.
Commenting further on the Woodcock, Hansen added, "He's (Woodcock) now is at the point where yesterday he trained completely with the side and he's ready to have a game of football. We're starting him at North Harbour in the ITM Cup because the intensity
is somewhat below a Test match.”
Hansen has also provided updates on All Blacks star international Israel Dagg’s recovery. Earlier, Dagg sustained a thigh injury in the last round of the recently concluded 2011 Super Rugby championship.
Hansen stated his satisfaction with the progress of DAgg’s recovery. He said, “Even though he's trained well and he can run, we're just building the kicking back into his game and once we get that right he'll get out and play as well."
Hansen expressed his hope that the trio of Dagg, Woodcock and Toeava will be available for selection in the All Blacks away matches of the 2011 Tri Nations tournament. All Blacks will be hosting the Springboks to kick-start their 2011 Tri Nations tournament
campaign.
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