All Black Shannon Frizell raring to go after ‘boring’ sideline spell

Flanker Shannon Frizell is nearing a return to international rugby after remaining “patient” during a “boring” stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Frizell, 29, was a man possessed during a series of headline-grabbing performances during The Rugby Championship which saw the loose forward compared to New Zealand legend Jerome Kaino.

But things took a disappointing turn for Frizell just before the Rugby World Cup. Ahead of the All Blacks’ final warm-up Test against the Springboks, the flanker was struck down with an injury.

The All Blacks have played three tests without Frizell, and they’ve only won one of them – a 71-3 demolition of Namibia in Toulouse last week. But Frizell should be back soon.

Frizell has trained with the All Blacks this week and insists that he may be “available” to play Italy in a decisive Rugby World Cup clash next Friday.

"It's come a long way, it's better now. I've been running for a few weeks and first week back in training last week,” Frizell told reporters on Friday.

“We've had a few days off this week and rest, but a few hard training days as well.

“It's been boring watching on the sidelines, hopefully, next week I'll be available. It's always tough watching but I've just got to be patient."

The return of Frizell couldn’t have come at a better time with the All Blacks currently on a bye in Bordeaux ahead of their quasi-knockout match with the Azzurri.

Lock Tupou Vaa’i lined up at blindside flanker when the All Blacks played Franc in the tournament opener, and Luke Jacobson donned the No. 6 jersey against Namibia.

But that’s Frizell’s jersey, it seems. The rampaging backrower was one of the All Blacks’ best during their quest for Rugby Championship glory, and it's quite likely that he’ll slot straight back into the team.

"I believe his best rugby is still ahead of him,” assistant coach Jason Ryan said.

“He's a big six, he's pretty valuable for our lineout as well.

“We miss any player that's injured but with the form he's in it was a bit of a knock for us, but he's trending in the right direction.

“I'm a big fan of Shannon, he's got a lot of good tests in front of him for the All Blacks."