Centurion Mils crocked
9 Oct 2011
Mils Muliaina’s World Cup looks over because of injury.
Muliaina, who became the second All Black to play 100 Tests, was subbed in the 41st minute and coach Graham Henry told the media the initial prognosis was not good.
‘I think he is in trouble (injury wise). He’s hurt his shoulder badly and you could see how much he was struggling at the presentation of his 100th Test cap,’ said Henry, who added flyhalf Colin Slade could also be ruled out because of injury.
‘Several players are with the doctor, but the early reports on Colin is that he has hurt his groin. I will only know more in the next 24 hours,’ said Henry. ‘The positive is Aaron (Cruden) played well and enjoyed the occasion.’
Henry has been under pressure all tournament to axe Muliaina for the more dynamic Israel Dagg and the latter’s form suggested Muliaina would be left on 98 Test appearances. Henry, however, selected Dagg as wing against Canada and started Muliaina at fullback. Dagg was also not considered for the quarter-final because of a thigh injury, but will now definitely start at fullback in the semi-final against Australia.
Henry said Kieran Read’s ankle held up well for the second successive match, complimented his team on their composure in the last 20 minutes and paid credit to the Pumas, who he said would get better by regularly playing the All Blacks, South Africa and Australia in the expanded Four Nations in 2012.
‘It will be good for their rugby and for ours,’ said Henry.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw reiterated the game was played over 80 minutes and he felt his players understood the need to keep plugging away.
‘We would have liked to have scored earlier but we played the game in the right areas and I could sense their frustration in the end. They defended very well and were as physical as we knew they would be. I thought it was a good win – as is any win in the play-offs.’
Henry, when asked how he felt, responded: ‘Bloody marvelous. I’ve never been to a World Cup semi-final before.’
15 Comments
9 Oct 2011, 12:37 pm
Mils Muliaina, one of the great NZ players. I hope it’s not a major injury and that he will be able to play in the final (yes, I’m tipping NZ to donder the Wallabies). But at least he has played 100 Tests, awesome record for an awesome player who has always impressed with his sportsmanship and conduct on the field. Take a bow MM
9 Oct 2011, 13:24 pm
Unfortunate for Mils. He had been playing well up until now and it is only the excellent form of Dagg that caused any questions to be asked. Dagg is a great replacement though.
9 Oct 2011, 13:31 pm
He was a good player, perhaps one too many RWCs for him, good for him to go out on a ton.
9 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
Blessing in disguise (or people saying the right thing) – Mils looked off the pace, and took the wrong option several times before he got injured. Much like Bryan Habana – cutting back in field, when the outside option was “on”. In reality, it’s been this way for most of this season.
A number of backline moves broke down when Mils got the ball. So, he’s got his 100, now – and that should be it. Great servant, not time to move on.
9 Oct 2011, 13:41 pm
Not = now
9 Oct 2011, 15:11 pm
Cheers Mils…
An AB great no doubt.
You proved that good guys can, in fact, win. A great example of how to maintain humility despite attaining great success.
Well done and all the best…!!
9 Oct 2011, 17:51 pm
mils was good but dagg is too.
so long mils, you gave everything…
9 Oct 2011, 20:26 pm
Good bloke, Mils.
9 Oct 2011, 20:41 pm
I would feel so much better with Mils at FB if the inexperienced-midget Cruden running the ship.
Bring in Izzy but slot him on the wing with SBW as our 1 worthy bench-man.
If Mils is out, then Izzy slots in perfectly and get Kahui on wing. That is as long as he is fit too.
Wallabies must be licking their lips. And their own wounds too.
9 Oct 2011, 22:10 pm
Well done once again to Mils – great servant of the game!
Great quote from Graham Henry!
10 Oct 2011, 01:09 am
Thanks Mils.Legend and Warrior and also a very special person who has conducted himself in such a gracious manner for the entire time he has represented our country.
Cowan to half back and Piri to first five. Piri is the man…why he doesnt get the accolades due to him is beyond me. If Slade had pulled off the points Piri had last night the press would have been salivating. Even Carter would have been proud to have the % Piri had last nite. He is cool, calm and mindful.
10 Oct 2011, 05:13 am
Donald and Gear been called in to ABs
10 Oct 2011, 05:44 am
Mils and Slade gone. Gear and DONALD called up as replacements. Now things look a bit desperate!!!
10 Oct 2011, 06:46 am
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !
not the DUCK ?!?
Hosea a great option tho, get him IN THERE !
10 Oct 2011, 08:06 am
Gear great!!! Donald??
Well done to Mils
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