Rugby World Cup: Who will be the next Beaver?

Stephen Donald with his World Cup winners medal. Photo / Brett Phibbs

There might have been heartbreak last night for several All Blacks contenders, but history shows there may still be a Rugby World Cup berth on the cards for some.

An analysis of injury replacements at the last two World Cups reveals a high percentage chance that the All Blacks will be required to call upon at least one of the unlucky lot left out of the 31-man squad.

The most famous World Cup injury replacement of course is Stephen Donald, who came into the squad to replace Colin Slade as the fourth choice first-five and ended up kicking the Cup-winning penalty.

He wasn't the only injury replacement in 2011 however, with Aaron Cruden and Hosea Gear also being called into the squad after Dan Carter (groin injury) and Mils Muliaina (shoulder fracture) were forced out.

Although the data shows it is unlikely that the All Blacks will require sending three late call-ups on plane trips to the United Kingdom, there is still a high likelihood that one of Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Cory Jane or Lima Sopoaga could find themselves scurrying for their passport.

There were 19 injury replacements required at the 2011 World Cup - an average of just under one per team, while 2007 had a whopping 28 players making a late flight as injury cover.

The good news for the All Blacks is that if an injury crisis does occur, such as in 2011, they have exceptional class and quality in reserve.

And just like in 2011, one of the reserves may be called upon to play a huge part.