The All Blacks Wyatt Crockett and Nehe Milner-Skudder remain under injury clouds for the weekend's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa at Twickenham.
All Black wing Nehe Milner-Skudder RWC2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Crockett, who started at loosehead prop in the absence of Tony Woodcock, is battling a groin injury, while the wing, Milner-Skudder, came off at half-time in the quarter-final win with a shoulder problem.
The coach Steve Hansen says the medical team's asked for another day to assess the injuries and he hasn't put any players in New Zealand on stand-by yet.
"There's a bit of concern, but there is no point in panicking and hitting the button when you don't need to so the Doc has been world class on his prognosis so far, so we'll give him the opportunity to continue to be," said Hansen.
Hansen has praised prop Joe Moody for his efforts and getting himself in shape for the World Cup.
Moody was a standout off the bench in the 62-13 win over France, having only arrived in the country six days earlier as an injury replacement for the veteran Tony Woodcock.
All Blacks prop Joe Moody RWC2015 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hansen says fitness has been a problem for Moody in the past and he is pleased with the way he's improved.
"He's one of the strongest guys in the team, he can play rugby, but the limiting factor has been how long can he play it for."
"He hasn't been fit enough but he's taken that on and thought I really want to be there so I've got to do the job and he's turned up in magnificent condition and got the reward for that," Hansen said.
The All Blacks will play South Africa at Twickenham on Sunday morning.
