Sivivatu in doubt for Boks clash

Sitiveni Sivivatu takes a catch in goal for a touchdown during a game of American football at All Black training in Durban. Picture / Fotopress

DURBAN - Wing Sitiveni Sivivatu looks in doubt for New Zealand's Tri-Nations test against South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday because of a calf injury.

Sivivatu arrived at training yesterday on crutches and had treatment on an outdoor physiotherapy table while the rest of the squad went through their paces just metres away.

The Fijian-born Chiefs wing received a knock on his left calf when colliding with a team-mate during a light session on Sunday, but completed the session.

"We checked him and he was pretty good, but overnight it stiffened up and he's struggling to walk," All Black team doctor Graham Paterson said.

He was unsure when Sivivatu would be able to return to training.

The All Blacks train again today before the team is announced, giving Sivivatu little time to recover before the team head to Cape Town on Thursday.

Sitiveni's cousin Joe Rokocoko, whose place he took this year for tests against Fiji and the Lions, looms as his logical replacement, with Rico Gear likely to fill the other winger's berth at Newlands.

Centre Conrad Smith took a full part in the session yesterday as he recovered from a mumps-like virus.

Marty Holah, a surprise omission from the early stages of the Lions series, may find himself back on the bench.

Coach Graham Henry admitted he was considering including a specialist openside as cover for Richie McCaw, after watching the Springboks' 22-16 defeat of the Wallabies at Pretoria.

Although the Springboks closed out a tight contest, their loose trio were consistently beaten at the breakdown by Wallabies George Smith and Phil Waugh.

- NZPA