KEY POINTS:
The All Black selectors will give their crop of walking wounded more time to prove their fitness before making any decisions about their futures.
Late injuries to Conrad Smith and Reuben Thorne forced both players to pull out of yesterday's test against Italy prompting speculation one or both could be sent home.
With lock Keith Robinson also suffering from a calf strain - an injury that has troubled him for much of the past two years and one that has previously kept him out for weeks at a time - there are also increasing fears he may not prove his fitness in time to play any role at the World Cup.
But with strict tournament rules in place that mean once a player has been declared injured he can no longer be reinstated to the tournament, the All Black management team are in no rush to send anyone home.
The injury to Smith is possibly the most concerning because the centre has not started a test this season and has played very little since breaking his leg last February.
Coach Graham Henry was keen to see the Wellingtonian in action yesterday because he is rated the best in a position that has become an Achilles Heel for the All Blacks.
The concern about Smith is intense, not only because he needs to play in these early group games to prove he's the right choice to wear No 13, but also because he has injured the hamstring which kept him out of most of the Tri Nations.
The 25-year-old cut a disconsolate figure at the final All Black training session before their opening fixture with his body language suggesting the muscle strain may be severe.
With another three tests before the crucial knock-out rounds, Smith has time yet to prove his fitness. But if the medics feel his leg may take two to three weeks to recover, the selectors will face a tough call whether they want to give him time or send for a replacement.
If they decide to call someone up, Smith's Wellington team-mate Ma'a Nonu will be on the shortlist and favourite to get the nod.
Thorne has also damaged his hamstring and, while the former captain has no shortage of detractors, because he is the only back-up lock to Chris Jack and Ali Williams, his injury leaves the All Blacks devoid of any cover in a crucial position.
Thorne's future is now linked to the fate of Robinson. Assistant coach Steve Hansen said Robinson would be given as long as he needs to get himself right. Hansen, though, said Robinson was progressing well and the coach was confident the lock would be able to play a significant role at the World Cup.
As a player the selectors rate highly, Robinson will be afforded more leeway than some others. The problem for Thorne is that the selectors can't afford to operate with just two fit locks while he and Robinson are injured and it may be the former captain has to go home.
If Ross Filipo didn't require an operation, he would be close to getting the nod but it will most likely be Troy Flavell who has to pack his bags if a replacement is deemed necessary.
With Portugal looming as the All Blacks next opponents they can delay making any decision about the injured trio until later in the week - unless the medical reports are unequivocal that a recovery in the next few weeks is not going to be possible.
