New Zealand officials remain hopeful injured star centre Tana Umaga will recover from a knee injury in time to play a part in Rugby World Cup 2003.
Speaking at a press conference held in Melbourne today to update the status of his injured vice captain, All Blacks coach John Mitchell said:
"He's made a lot of progress. There is a lot more knee bend and the swelling has come down. There is potential he could play in this World Cup again. We will reassess the situation next Tuesday.
"I think we'll get a better idea then. His rehab has commenced and in just four days post-injury, this is quite outstanding."
Freak collision
The powerhouse centre and All Black vice captain ruptured the posterior ligament in his left knee in a freak collision with team mate Carlos Spencer during his team’s 70-7 win over Italy at Melbourne's Telstra Dome last Saturday.
Spencer was driven back by the Italian defence, smashing into Umaga who had been backing up the fly half.
Umaga, who started cycling and walking in a swimming pool today, will remain in Australia with the squad and continue receiving treatment on the knee.
Ma'a Nonu, who replaced Umaga during the Italian match, gets another chance to impress in the No. 13 jersey for Friday night's match against Canada in Melbourne.
On standby
Mitchell confirmed Norm Maxwell is on standby as a replacement should Umaga’s knee fail to respond to treatment, but that the second row has not officially joined the All Blacks squad.
An update on Umaga's condition has been scheduled for Tuesday, 21 October.
Meanwhile, Aaron Mauger (knee) and wing Joe Rokocoko (slight hamstring tear) are also unavailable for Friday's second Pool D clash.