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Jimmy Cowan - Source: Photosport -
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All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan requires a miraculous recovery
to be fit for the second Bledisloe Cup rugby Test in
Christchurch on Saturday,
Cowan sustained rib cartilage damage late in the first half of New
Zealand's 49-28 defeat of Australia last night and is all but ruled
out of the rematch that could see the All Blacks retain the symbol
of trans-Tasman rugby supremacy.
"It'll be a miracle if he plays next week," said All Blacks head
coach Graham Henry.
He was hopeful Cowan would be available for the All Blacks' next
road trip to South Africa where they play the winless Springboks in
Johannesburg on August 21.
No decision had today been made on who will back up Piri Weepu in
Christchurch although uncapped Blues halfback Alby Mathewson would
appear to have the inside running.
Mathewson joined the squad as cover in Melbourne last Sunday after
Weepu's arrival was delayed by the birth of his first child.
The Wallabies also appear at risk of adding collateral damage to
the psychological scarring inflicted by an eighth consecutive loss
to the All Blacks.
Centre Rob Horne, one of eight Wallabies making their Bledisloe Cup
debut, required x-rays after he aggravated an historic arm
injury.
If Horne is unavailable it places more pressure on Robbie Deans'
ever-depleting backline resources.
Outside backs Will Chambers, Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes are
already sidelined while veteran former captain Stirling Mortlock is
also out of contention for a recall.
If scans confirm the worst, Adam Ashley-Cooper may switch to
midfield from fullback, James O'Connor could return to the
custodian role while Cameron Shepherd or Lachie Turner may fill the
wing vacancy.
Kurtley Beale, who played off the bench last night, is the other
starting option at fullback.
Halfback Will Genia and lock Dean Mumm suffered knee injuries
though they were not considered serious.
Prop Benn Robinson also copped a blow flush on the plate inserted
to mend an arm fractured during the Super 14 but the collision with
hooker Keven Mealamu's shoulder will not prevent him travelling to
Christchurch with the squad tomorrow.
