Rugby: Vito in doubt for World Cup

NZ sevens powerhouse Victor Vito tore a calf muscle at training. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand sevens rugby star Victor Vito is in doubt for this weekend's World Cup in Dubai due to a calf muscle injury.

Coach Gordon Tietjens said a scan revealed a minor tear in Vito's calf after their first training session in Dubai, and he rated the Wellington powerhouse a 50-50 proposition.

Tietjens' spirits were lifted when Vito took part in training matches last night against Australia and the United States, and he would be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

"I've got a gut feeling he will kick through and I hope I'm right," Tietjens said.

He hoped Vito would also play a part later tonight when New Zealand face Japan and Uruguay in training matches to top off preparations for their tournament opener against Italy (4.45am Friday NZT).

Wellington's Julian Savea joined the squad in Dubai as cover.

Vito, who starred for Tietjens' sevens team last year, was summoned from the Hurricanes to bolster the World Cup lineup.

He is the team's only Super 14 player after Chiefs speedster Sosene Anesi was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Others to be ruled out pre-tournament were Willie Rickards (hamstring), Nafi Tuitavake (ankle), Edwin Cocker (broken leg), Solomon King (wrist) and Tim Mikkelson (shoulder).

There was at least some good news for the coach in that key players DJ Forbes and Tomasi Cama had recovered from recent injuries and trained strongly in the Dubai heat this week.

- NZPA