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Dave Rennie reveals Rassie Erasmus turned down pre-match meeting with officials
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Damian McKenzie 'trending well' as Cortez Ratima still under injury cloud
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All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie is heading in the right direction according to assistant coach Tana Umaga as he battles to be fit for the first Test at Ellis Park.
Umaga confirmed McKenzie got through the required training block on Tuesday as he battles an ankle injury suffered against the Sharks in Durban.
“He was sharp today. He got through what he needed to get through. So, he’s trending well for a big one this weekend. So, that’s all we can ask,” Umaga told media.
“Our medical staff has done a really good job, as well as our S&C, to make sure that they’re taking every precaution they can, but making sure that he puts his best foot forward to be available for the team.”
The All Blacks assistant confirmed that the team hasn’t ruled out McKenzie of selection for Saturday, with the No.15 still in the mix to secure his place.
Since Rennie took over in July, McKenzie has been the first choice fullback playing all three Tests in July at the position.
If he’s ruled out, it’s unclear who would get the role as Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Josh Moorby and Ruben Love are all options.
At halfback the status of Cortez Ratima is still unclear with the All Blacks monitoring the situation over the next couple of days.
Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham has been brought into the squad and Rennie would like him to play on Tuesday against the Lions after the first Test.
“He [Ratima] had a scan, it’s a PCL injury, but we are going to see how it is over the next 48 hours,” Rennie said of Ratima.
“So obviously we are a little bit thin at No.9 as it is, so getting Noah [Hotham] in will be good.
“We expect Cam to be ready to go in the weekend. We’ve still got KP if Cortez is no good and we’d need Noah to play on the Tuesday [against the Lions].
“It’s good to get him on, he’s excited, he wasn’t long off the pitch for Tasman when I got hold of him. He’s keen.
“Cam’s played a hell of a lot of rugby this year, so him not playing so much lately is not a bad thing.”
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