Israel Dagg will miss Sunday's clash against Argentina. Photo / Brett Phibbs
All Black coach Graham Henry says Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui would be available to play next week if the side get past Argentina in Sunday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Eden Park.
Henry named his side to face the Pumas today with the duo, who have crossed over nine times in total during the tournament, missing out on selection. Dagg was ruled out due to a haematoma on his thigh while Kahui has a hamstring injury.
Sonny Bill Williams replaces Kahui on the wing while Mils Muliaina retains his position at fullback where he will play his 100th test.
Henry says the injured duo are not far away from returning to action - if the All Blacks remain in the tournament.
"Israel came off the last two matches and Richard Kahui's not that far away (from being fully fit) but he's a risk, so we decided to rest those two,'' coach Graham Henry said.
"They'll be ready (for the semifinals) if we do the business against Argentina.''
Meanwhile Henry says captain Richie McCaw, who will play his 101st test on Sunday, has to change his training to ensure he can play three tests in succession.
"He runs on it and it feels good, then wakes up the next day and it's niggly again. Hopefully we've got three games ahead of us and it's just a matter of making sure he's available for those three games. He's got to tailor what he does running-wise to handle that eventuality.
"He hasn't played for a while and he's not preparing as he normally does, so it's going to be a big mental challenge for him."
- HERALD ONLINE
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