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All Black comeback hits snag
By Online Editors
Crusaders prop Joe Moody's return to action looks to be delayed further.
The All Blacks loosehead prop made his return to competitive rugby this weekend, appearing in Canterbury's club competition.
Fairfax have reported that Moody snapped a tendon and damaged bone near the tip of his finger, potentially sidelining him for six more weeks.
Moody had not played since suffering a serious shoulder injury against Argentina seven months ago, and was immediately taken from the venue to seek medical attention.
According to Fairfax Crusaders backs coach Brad Mooar confirmed that the Super Rugby side, currently in Argentina, are aware of the injury.
"Yes we aware of an injured finger but we are not aware of the severity of it yet," Mooar said. "Clearly with time differences that is information that will come through in due course and we will be right across it. We will just keep chipping away here."
It was hoped that Moody would be fit for the Crusaders' week ten clash with the Sunwolves, though that looks out of the question now and the focus shift to getting the prop fit for the All Blacks' June test series against France.
The 29-year-old veteran has 31 tests to his name.
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Latest Comments
Ireland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
Go to commentsFair to say that NZ have come to respect Ireland, as have all teams. But it's a bit click-baitey to say that the game is the premier show-down for NZ.
SA has beaten NZ four times in a row, including in the RWC final.
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