Former Wanganui rep player Waisake Naholo is the surprise face in the All Blacks 31-man squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Naholo looked like a long shot to make the squad after suffering a cracked tibia on his All Blacks debut against Argentina, but a quick recovery aided by traditional Fijian medicine has helped him earn a spot on the plane to England.
The Highlanders winger was named yesterday in New Zealand's squad to defend the Rugby World Cup as the selectors trusted a Fijian folk healer to repair Naholo's broken leg in time for the tournament's pool rounds.
Naholo, who entered provincial rugby at just 18 and played the 2009 Heartland Championship with Wanganui before moving on to Taranaki, suffered a cracked tibia in his debut test against Argentina on July 16 and was thought to be sidelined for three months, ruling him out of action until the Cup's late play-off rounds.
His expected unavailability further complicated the selection of the outside backs, which was one of the most contentious elements of the squad announced at Parliament.