Injuries to Mils Muliaina and Colin Slade open door for Stephen Donald and Hosea Gear - Rugby News
New Zealand has suffered from two more crucial injuries in their quarter-final clash against Argentina on October 9 at Auckland. All Blacks overwhelmed the Pumas by great ease at 33-10 but their victory was soured by devastating causalities to their veteran
player Mils Muliaina and Colin Slade. According to sources the pair will be see no more action in Rugby World Cup 2011, which has limited the All Blacks’ selection options for the semi-final encounter against Wallabies. However, the injuries have paved the
way for Stephen Donald and Hosea Gear to join All Blacks for the remaining matches of the Webb Ellis Trophy.
The All Blacks were already passing through an unpleasant phase as far as injury status is concerned. New Zealand’s team doctor, Deb Robinson, told the media on October 10 that fresh injuries will deprive the duo from further participating in the ongoing
global showpiece. Mils Muliaina, who achieved a splendid landmark of 100 tests for All Blacks in this particular match, was forced to leave the field early due to a blow to his shoulder.
Later on, medical reports revealed the extent of the injury for him which was also a shock for All Blacks’ side before their upcoming and much anticipated game against Wallabies. Meanwhile, Colin Slade is also ruled out from the remaining matches of RWC
2011 with a groin injury. He was given the fly-half role in the absence of Dan Carter, who missed the clash due to fitness issues.
Talking about the fresh injuries, All Blacks team doctor, Deb Robinson, told the media that, “Mils fractured his shoulder. This makes it impossible to carry on so we have withdrawn him from the tournament. As for Colin, there's a partial tear in his left
adductor. Just with the timing if what that is, there would not be enough time for him to rehabilitate to take any further part in the tournament.”
All Blacks coach Graham Henry was also disappointed with the latest blows to his team and informed the media about new joinings. He added that, “They can't stay with the team... the replacements join the team tomorrow morning. The reason for that is so we
can say goodbye to the fellas properly.”
New Zealand will take on Australia in the second semi-final of Rugby World Cup 2011 on October 16 at Eden Park, Auckland.
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