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Boyd: Milner-Skudder could miss Lions series
By Peter Thompson
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd thinks New Zealand full-back Nehe Milner-Skudder may struggle to prove his fitness in time to face the British and Irish Lions.
Milner-Skudder suffered a fractured foot during a Super Rugby defeat to Chiefs last month and was expected to be out for six weeks.
Boyd is unsure when the 26-year-old will be ready to return, though, with the first Test against the Lions to be played on June 24.
The Canes coach told New Zealand radio station Newstalk ZB: "The solidification of the bone in his foot is slow. It's a low blood-flow area, so it's slow.
"We initially thought six weeks, so post the bye that's coming up after Blues and Brumbies. He may be ready to come in at the back end of that, he may not."
Boyd added: "He's worked incredibly hard to keep fit and strong and healthy in other ways, but he's got a wound that's not helping him at the moment.
"I don't think he would have played an awful amount of rugby, before they pick the All Blacks [squad].
"Whether that's the preparation that the All Blacks want for that, it depends what sort of back three they're looking for and who else is fit.
"I think [he] will be available, but he won't have played a whole lot of rugby."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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