Mils Muliaina 100th test appearance for All Blacks shortened by injury – Rugby News
All Blacks international backs player, Mils Muliaina, becomes the second New Zealand international Rugby Union player to play 100 tests for the New Zealand, as he took the field in All Blacks encounter against Argentina on Sunday, October 9. His celebrations were cut short after an injury, forced him to walk out of Sunday’s knockout game against Pumas.
All Blacks hosted Argentina in the fourth and last quarter-final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) at Eden Park, Auckland, as NEw Zealand defeated the South Americans 33 – 10.
Besides seeing his side win a place in the semi-final of the 2011 RWC, Muliaina was given a silver cap to commemorate his contributions for the All Blacks, during his eight-year international career.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has congratulated Mils Muliaina on achieving the milestone. He said, “It's just great that's he's got out there for 100. He is just a champion. Shame to see he got an injury, but it's great to see him hit that milestone.”
Muliaina started the match at the fullback position, in place of the injured All Blacks first choice fullback Israel Dagg. Dagg sustained a thigh injury in All Blacks last pool match against Canada.
The Samoan born Muliaina started his professional Rugby Union career in 1999 for New Zealand provincial Rugby Union side, Auckland. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2001.
The 31-year-old Muliaina made his international debut for the All Blacks against England in June 2003. He so far has made 100 appearances for All Blacks, which includes 95 starts and 170 points comprising of his 34 international tries.
Muliaina sustained an injury to his shoulder during the first-half and was forced to leave the pitch for the sidelines. All Blacks coach has termed the injury as serious, which might ruled him out of their semi-final clash against the Wallabies.
Henry said, “Mils has a pretty serious shoulder injury and you probably saw at the presentation of his cap at the end of the game that he might be in a bit of trouble.”
All Blacks next will take on the Wallabies in the semi-final of the 2011 RWC.
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