SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Milner-Skudder fit for RWC final: Hansen

Nehe Milner-Skudder will be fit for the Rugby World Cup final, leaving prop Wyatt Crockett as the only All Blacks injury doubt.

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

The All Blacks look like they'll take a fully fit team into the Rugby World Cup final.

Coach Steve Hansen played down any injury concern surrounding Nehe Milner-Skudder, who was replaced in the 50th minute of the 20-18 semi-final win over South Africa at Twickenham.

The right winger fell awkwardly and appeared to injure his leg when he tripped in a collision with opposite Bryan Habana as the pair chased a kick.

However, Hansen said the substitution was a tactical one, with Beauden Barrett injected at fullback and Ben Smith shifted to the wing.

"Nehe is OK. We just didn't want to risk leaving a guy out there who was probably not 100 (per cent), but he's fine," Hansen said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"Bringing Beauden (Barrett) on is something we do regularly anyway, it gives us the opportunity to have two guys driving the team at first receiver. We expect to have everyone available next week."

There were no other apparent injury concerns, leaving the only question mark surrounding whether prop Wyatt Crockett can recover from a groin injury to contest the decider at Twickenham on Saturday.

Crockett was replaced for the semi-final by Joe Moody in a dramatic promotion for the Canterbury loosehead, who wasn't initially selected for the tournament.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world