Anxious wait for injured Hoeft

Prop Carl Hoeft will be holding his breath that a calf injury which ruled him out of the test against South Africa doesn't jeopardise his World Cup selection.

Coach John Mitchell said it was "highly likely" Hoeft would miss this Saturday's Bledisloe Cup decider against the Wallabies because of the strain he suffered at training on Thursday.

However, a replacement wouldn't be called into the squad in Auckland, because loosehead specialist Dave Hewett was deemed to have adequate backup from usual tighthead Kees Meeuws.

Team management yesterday confirmed that Hoeft, 28, would stay with the squad this week. It remained unclear how long the injury would keep him sidelined, and further assessments would be made over the next couple of days.

"It's important he's around our medical staff and fitness trainer because he can certainly work around the injury," Mitchell said.

"Obviously the immediacy to the injury is necessary. He's going to need time, I'm not sure on duration."

Mitchell wouldn't be pushed on whether the injury could affect the World Cup hopes of the 28-test veteran, who has played only one test this year, against Wales two months ago.

"Like every other player, he'll have to wait until August 25 [the World Cup squad announcement]. But he'll still be seriously looked at."

The injury continued a cruel run of luck for Hoeft, who was ruled out of last month's test against the Springboks in Pretoria with a groin strain. On both occasions his place was taken by Hewett.

Hewett said Hoeft was downcast about his spate of bad luck.

"He's a positive individual, but two times in a row, that knocks the stuffing out of anyone," Hewett said. "He's hurting and I feel really sorry for him."

The scrum performed well on Saturday night, causing the Springboks problems early and shoving them off their own ball at one stage.

It was a mixed night for Meeuws, with pre-match interest surrounding whether he could score his eighth test try, taking him to a world record for a prop.

However, his thunder was stolen by opposite Richard Bands, who probably set his own front-row record by stampeding 45m to score a memorable try.

"I couldn't believe it actually," said a mesmerised Hewett, "he's got wheels for a big fella."

- NZPA