An All Blacks scrumhalf limped away from training on Tuesday.
According to Stuff.co.nz, uncapped No 9 Kyle Preston needed medical attention after taking a knock to his right ankle during a session at North Harbour Stadium.
He was seen receiving treatment on a bench before leaving the field, although assistant coach Scott Hansen told reporters he was unaware of the injury at the time.
A team spokesperson later clarified that Preston was being assessed for a cut on the ankle.
The All Blacks are already light on experienced scrumhalves ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship match against the Springboks at Eden Park, with first-choice Cam Roigard sidelined for up to a month with a stress fracture in his foot, while Noah Hotham is out for around four weeks following ankle surgery.
Cortez Ratima, capped 16 times, is battling a rib fracture but did manage to train on Tuesday, with Hansen describing him as “a brave, young man” despite lingering soreness.
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If Ratima fails to prove his fitness, Finlay Christie is expected to start, with Preston in line for a place on the bench – fitness permitting.
The uncapped Xavier Roe joined the All Blacks as scrumhalf cover this week.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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