TRI-NATIONS:ALL BLACKS prop John Afoa's World Cup hopes received a lift yesterday when it was decided surgery was not required on the fractured cheekbone suffered in last weekend's match against the Springboks.

The 27-year-old came off the bench in New Zealand’s first two matches of the season but sustained the injury after only a few minutes on the pitch in the 40-7 Tri-Nations victory over South Africa in Wellington.

“John saw a specialist in Auckland today and has made good progress. However, the swelling in his face has not gone down completely so he will be reviewed again early next week,” All Blacks team doctor Deb Robinson said.

“At this stage, he doesn’t require surgery, he will be allowed to resume non-contact training when he is comfortable and a date on when he can return to play is yet to be confirmed.”

Afoa, who has won 32 caps, would have been out for up to six weeks if an operation had been required, effectively ruling him out of the September 9th-October 23rd World Cup.

There was more good news in the frontrow department when 74-cap prop Tony Woodcock played a provincial match on Tuesday to mark his comeback from a foot injury.

Forwards coach Steve Henson said the sheep farmer was, however, “unlikely” to return to the international fray against the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday.

“We have to be careful when they haven’t played for so long, asking them to jump up and play game after game,” Henson said.

“He is pretty keen to put his boots on and play and be available for us but he has been out for such a long time we have to be patient and not rush it so that when he comes back he stays back.”

Other than Afoa, Henson gave the All Blacks squad a clean bill of health barring a few “minor bumps and bruises”.

Head coach Graham Henry is scheduled to name the team for the Australia Test later today.