Ali Williams gone?

[Te Kaha]

Not good news for the Mighty All Blacks ...... Still Mailing is on the recovery path so by no means the end of the World (cup).

From NZOOM

Williams may miss World Cup 

New Zealand lock Ali Williams is in danger of missing the World Cup because of a foot injury.

Williams is having treatment in Auckland and a decision on whether he will be available for the World Cup will not be made until he has undergone further rehabilitation.

The Auckland player felt pain two weeks ago but an MRI scan in New Plymouth last week did not reveal a significant problem. A bone scan in Auckland on Tuesday showed a minor undisplaced fracture of the right navicular bone in his right foot.

 \"Ali's injury is a relatively uncommon one among rugby players,\" All Blacks medic Dr John Mayhew said in a statement. \"Because of the nature of the injury, we are consulting with leading orthopaedic surgeons to ensure he gets the optimal treatment.

\"Once we have clarified the most appropriate management of the injury, we will be in a better position to estimate when Ali will be able to return to full training.\"

All Blacks coach John Mitchell said there were options available to call up a replacement to the World Cup squad should Williams not be able to go to Australia.

\"Specific players have been involved in our preparation at various stages during the year and we will be monitoring their form and will continue to involve them in our preparation,\" said Mitchell.

Otago lock Simon Maling and North Harbour firebrand Troy Flavell, who was working with the squad in Nelson on Tuesday, are among the possible replacements.

The All Blacks are in Nelson on the third of five weekly training camps in provincial centres.

New Zealand's first World Cup match is against Group D rivals Italy in Melbourne on October 11.

 

[bayrep]

They were saying on the news last night that he was recovering and would be ready for the world cup. I cant see him missing it.

 

[Auckland4ever]

Apparently, as the bone in his foot is fractured, but not displaced, he stands a much better chance of making the WC.
No qualms about Maling as a replacement. Imagine if Flavel ended up on the park, not too many would have picked that earlier on in the year. No qualms about him as a player either, would just have to hope he doesnt end up being a liability with his discipline.