/ 26 October 1999

MEHRTENS IN RACE AGAINST TIME

NEW Zealand fly-half Andrew Mehrtens is racing against time to be fit for Sunday’s World Cup semi-final against France at Twickenham. Goal-kicking ace Mehrtens underwent a scan on Tuesday to establish the seriousness of an injury to his left knee and the All Blacks were relieved that the scan showed no structural damage. “There is a sense of relief in the camp, but he is a long way yet from playing on Sunday,” said New Zealand coach John Hart. “We won’t take any risks. He’ll only play if he’s right.” The injury forced Mehrtens to leave the field at halftime in New Zealand’s 30-18 quarter-final win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday. Mehrtens continues to limp and missed training on Tuesday morning. He is unlikely to train again until Friday at the earliest after the scan revealed bruising and fluid on the knee, but no cartilage or ligament damage.” Officials hope the bruising on his knee will subside over the next 24 hours. He is scheduled to undergo physiotherapy and icing treatment on Wednesday and Thursday. Mehrtens has scored 560 points in his 37 tests for New Zealand and was badly missed when replaced by Tony Brown in the second half against Scotland.