All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan has been given the all clear to travel to South Africa for the Tri-Nations match against South Africa in Johannesburg next week, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said on Thursday.
Cowan missed New Zealand’s win over Australia in Christchurch last weekend with a rib injury he sustained in the victory over the Wallabies in Melbourne at the end of last month.
“Jimmy had a medical assessment in Christchurch today [Thursday] and passed that so he’s fit to travel to South Africa with the team,” team doctor Deb Robinson said.
“He basically needed rest and recuperation to get over the injury, which he has had, and is now keen to get back to training.”
Alby Mathewson, who made his Test debut as a replacement for starting scrumhalf Piri Weepu against Australia last week, was on standby to travel in Cowan’s place had the 28-year-old not been passed fit.
The All Blacks, who have won all four of their Tri-Nations matches so far this season, leave for South Africa this weekend.
Squad:
Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Victor Vito, Samuel Whitelock, Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Piri Weepu. — Reuters