Flavell could join All Black injury list

Troy Flavell

Troy Flavell faces an anxious few days before he discovers whether he will join the growing list of All Black casualties.

The utility forward is booked for a scan on his damaged shoulder tomorrow, which will decide his immediate rugby fate.

Flavell was hurt in the Blues' win on Friday and the medical staff quickly ruled him out of the side's three-match tour to South Africa.

The initial diagnosis was not encouraging and All Black coach Graham Henry was extremely concerned about tomorrow's verdict.

"It could be a three-week injury or it could be a six-month injury and they won't know until the scan on Tuesday," he said.

"It could be a torn pectoral muscle, which would mean three weeks. If it is a shoulder reconstruction then he is like everybody else."

That group already includes Conrad Smith, James Ryan, Nick Evans and Angus MacDonald - players with major injuries which will eliminate them from most of the international programme.

Flavell is a contender for the dual blindside flanker-locking role and was making a strong claim for re-selection after three years on suspension or playing in Japan.

The 29-year-old was playing his sixth game for the Blues on Friday when he hurt his left shoulder.

There will also be some urgent attention to Chiefs fullback Mils Muliaina who was injured during Saturday's win against the Stormers.

Muliaina complained of a sore adductor muscle in his groin, but the medical staff were unsure whether he had suffered a strain or been heavily bruised. Adductor injuries often take a long time to heal.

"I haven't heard, I thought it might have been a hamstring with Mils, but he is a pretty durable sort of chap," Henry said.

"But having these [injuries] reflects what we have been trying to do and make sure we have depth in numbers and alternatives.

"So we have done that. When we have injuries we have others who can play. It is just you don't want a large number of injuries.

"It is a real pity for the guys concerned. I really feel sorry for them because they have been so dedicated.

"A guy like Conrad Smith who has been waiting in the wings for Tana [Umaga] to retire, probably, and then he breaks his leg.

"Then James Ryan, who had a marvellous year last year and is now out for six months."