Pool D News: Tana Umaga's World Cup future will become clearer later today when the New Zealand management make a "more definite decision" on his badly injured left knee.
The All Blacks' vice-captain ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's 70-7 victory over Italy.
The medics have been waiting on the swelling to subside before making a more genuine assessment of whether the 30-year-old stands any chance of featuring again during the tournament.
Head coach John Mitchell insisted he wanted to give Umaga as much time as possible to recover, but the protocol within the All Blacks squad is he would need at least a week of preparation before being considered for selection.
Mitchell would not give a deadline by which time Umaga must be available to remain in the squad, but any possible return - be it the quarter-finals or beyond - will become clearer following the medics' latest assessments.
Mitchell said: "The next three weeks are important that we get preparation, certainly a week's preparation, so he can perform.
"It is not only the return of the injury but the amount of conditioning he can do during his rehab. There are a whole load of factors to consider before I can give you that decision.
"We want to give him every chance. We value him highly. He has enormous presence on the field, he is our vice-captain and has put a lot of work into this tournament."
Lock Norm Maxwell is in Australia on standby to join up if need be, a decision that would alter the mix of the squad after Mitchell named only three genuine second rowers in his original 30-man squad.
Mitchell has enviable depth in midfield, but turned to Maxwell after Ali Williams broke a bone in his foot. Williams trained today at the Collingwood Aussie Rules ground and took part in his first contact session.
Mitchell continued: "The one surprise injury we didn't expect, based on our selection, was Ali's hence the reason why we need to improve our resources in that area."
World Cup rules dictate Maxwell cannot stay in the team hotel and must train on his own until a decision is made on Umaga's future.
Coaching co-ordinator Robbie Deans said the selectors' hand could be forced if another injury is sustained during Friday's Pool D clash with Canada.
Umaga's spot at outside centre has been taken by Ma'a Nonu, who replaced him with impressive effect against the Italians.
Nonu made his Test debut in the June defeat to England and had to wait until last weekend for a second run-out .
Mitchell makes nine personnel changes for Friday's game, including the entire front row.
Nonu will partner Daniel Carter in midfield, who assumes the kicking responsibilities from new vice-captain Carlos Spencer after the outhalf missed three of his four attempts against Italy.
Mils Muliaina switches from fullback to start his first Test on the wing, making room for the return of Leon MacDonald, while Steve Devine starts at scrumhalf.
Rodney So'oialo comes into number eight and Marty Holah starts on the open-side, with Ritchie McCaw on the bench.
NEW ZEALAND (team to play Canada on Friday): L MacDonald; M Muliaina, M Nonu, D Carter, C Ralph,; C Spencer, S Devine; C Hoeft, M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, C Jack, R Thorne (capt), M Holah, R So'oialo. Replacements: C Flynn, D Hewett, R McCaw, D Braid, B Kelleher, D Howlett, B Blair.
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