A marvelous test match, right at the top end of international competition, I would have thought. |
But if everything runs well over the next few months it's obvious. |
Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in the best interest of the individual. So we need to look at how much rugby any given player has had since the beginning of the year, the amount of contact, their position, plus any injury history. |
Doug has played some outstanding rugby for Auckland recently, while Rico has played virtually every Super 12 and Test match since mid-February. |
He's explosive, he's big, he's got presence on the field, and he's probably the best line breaker in this country. He just needs experience playing in the midfield ? probably at 13. |
He's limping a bit but he'll be fine. |
I couldn't see Doug from where I was sitting. |
I have not heard anything else from the doctor, who I will be seeing later this morning about it. |
I think he could be a very special player. |
I think they'll be keen to have a look, wouldn't they? |
I thought we played some superb rugby in the first half; we played well in the last 10 minutes again to win the game and that's probably a summary, |
I've got enough problems of my own without worrying about his problems. You should ask him that. |
If he's making positive progress we can hold on to the day of the game. It's still a 50-50 deal as to whether he will play or not. |
Initial reports are pretty positive, |
It is a tough challenge. |