MELBOURNE - All Black No 8 Jerry Collins remains an unlikely starter for the quarter-final test against the Springboks, even though x-rays cleared him yesterday of any broken ribs.
The loose-forward was still uncomfortable yesterday and team doctor John Mayhew said it was likely Collins, whoturns 23 today, had suffered some rib cartilage damage.
"He had a nasty blow to his right lower ribs and we were a bit worried he might have broken a rib or damaged his kidneys," Mayhew said yesterday.
"He's a pretty tough rooster. That's what made us concerned last night because he was in so much pain. But it has settled down today."
Under World Cup regulations, players are unable to have local anaesthetics to ease the discomfort, while the All Blacks demand players complete full trainings if they are to be considered for matches.
Injured centre Tana Umaga will test his injured knee in a hit-out today, but at best it would seem he might be able to make the bench for Saturday's match in Melbourne.
Senior lock Chris Jack is reported to be recovering well after spraining his ankle and missing the last two games.
If Collins is ruled out of the quarter-final, there are two choices for the selection panel.
They could stay with the combination which finished the test against Wales, with Richie McCaw at No 8 and Marty Holah on the openside flank. That would increase the All Black firepower at the breakdown, but bring with it the lack of combination and bulk.
The alternative would be to choose the backup No 8 Rodney So'oialo. His work has been mixed in the internationals and as the season has progressed, it appears the selectors have been leaning more towards the multi-skilled McCaw on the back of the scrum.
