15 Sep 2015

All Blacks happy with Naholo's progress

10:11 am on 15 September 2015

The All Black selectors remain happy with winger Waisake Naholo's ongoing recovery from injury.

Naholo's selection for the All Blacks World Cup squad came as a surprise as he was still recovering from a broken leg suffered during his Test debut against Argentina in July.

All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo

All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo Photo: PHOTOSPORT

However, after traditional treatment in Fiji, the Highlanders flyer made a quicker than expected return to fitness.

The All Blacks had their first proper training run at their new English base of The Lansbury near Twickenham today.

Naholo said, "My recovery is coming along well and I'm involved in most of the stuff with the rest of the boys now."

"I'm getting up to speed and can step off both legs okay."

Assistant coach Ian Foster said, " We've been trying to manage his return really carefully based on medical advise."

"If you count the weeks of recovery now, the fact that he was running around with the rest of the team (is good)."

"In terms of building up to 100 percent and full contact, we've got another two weeks to get that right," Foster said.

"There is a programme in place for that and so we're sure Naholo will be quick, he's training hard."

The selectors have pencilled Naholo into play the All Blacks' third pool game against Georgia in Cardiff on 3 October.

Meanwhile, Foster was also asked about security at The Lansbury, which has its own enclosed training ground.

He said, "Security and spies is probably always an issue at a World Cup."

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Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Asked if he'd seen any drones Foster said, "The only experience I've had with them was at my daughter's soccer training when another parent showed me one in action."

"They can go high," he said. Laughing, he added, "A shot gun may be needed to shoot them down but apart from that there isn't much you can do about them."

The All Blacks play Argentina at Wembley on Monday morning. The team will be named on Friday night.

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