All Blacks coach Steve Hansen expects to be able to field his best side for Saturday's Test against England despite the squad falling victim to the norovirus sweeping Britain.
Only two members of the world champions' playing party have escaped the vomiting and diarrhoea bug, which first struck the tourists before Saturday's 33-10 win over Wales in Cardiff.
However, the All Blacks believe they have now come through the worst of the illness and Hansen is not anticipating making any late changes to his matchday 23 this weekend.
"It's been a difficult week because a lot of guys have been sick with diarrhoea and vomiting," Hansen said after naming his team on Thursday.
"Getting the mix right in training has been difficult. Hopefully, we have been smart enough to keep the tanks full to play well.
"There are only two players who have escaped the virus. It started in Wales and has just continued.
"Apparently, half the UK have got it. If you hang around the team hotel too long we will give it to you too. It's a present from the colonials."
Number eight Kieran Read, who suffered from the virus Wednesday, said he has made a quick recovery.
"Personally I'm feeling a lot better today. The boys had a good guided tour of the bathrooms yesterday on their day off.
"It's a 24-hour thing. It's just something you have to handle and we'll be all right for Saturday."
Comments
carpelone says...
ArmchairGeneral is one of the nicest posters around.
But I think he was serious this time.
Posted 16:52 30th November 2012
carpelone says...
Piri, take it easy when you lead the haka. We do not want to see that your effort results in problems down under.
Posted 12:51 30th November 2012
Ramage says...
@ynysafro Well man even if they play in Brown it cant be any worse than the collours of the jersies England played in against Australia. Somehow though I think there are advantages in playing in Black and I dont think it will happen. Imagine though if it was the England team who was so affected. There are some real disadvantages in playing in white.
@armchair general I have always found your posts really well thought out and often very informative. So it comes as no surprise to see that you have a very good sense of humour as well.
Posted 12:37 30th November 2012
jamesliveinhope says...
let it not be said that New Zealanders don't have great hands.
If only they washed them every now and again.
Posted 12:14 30th November 2012
Ramage says...
Has Suzie become one of the countless Saffas who have fled their country and has now settled in the UK. Geez that woman has a lot to answer for, she just never gives up does she? Its about time she was caught and put out of action before she does some more damage. All Blacks be warned, please look at the names of staff members of the hotels when you head to England for the 2015. If you see a Suzie on the list of employees and she originates from South Africa shout her a trip home for the period of the 2015 RWC.
Posted 10:51 30th November 2012
craigsman says...
Annoying cos if, for some otherworldly reason, the whole England team played 200% better and beat the ABs by a point, this will be given as the excuse.
Posted 10:22 30th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Thank you brad barritt. Nice to see the South African influence having a useful impact for a change. ;)
Have to say that I did laugh out loud when I heard about this, not nastily, but in strictly impersonal faceless terms its kinda funny. Diahoria and vomitting... ah, they'll be fine so long as they drink lots of water. Heehee!
Finally this little news flash does resemble a hand grenade with the pin pulled out. A kinda cruel joke to get all our hopes up before a gigantic black boot comes crashing down squashing england flat accompanied by evil god like guffaws!!! Yes I'm happy to compare the All blacks to God. Just don't tell the Americans...
Aw Cool we've even got a welsh dude who's gutted this outbreak didn't happen a week ago. Come on Dafydd, what are you on about? England are playing so well that we were always gonna beat NZ. Obviously. And yes that would kinda prove that England are better than Wales too. bummer, eh. (only messing about mate - ps loved the 13 man flying wedge, get Gats to do it all the time! Seriously!) :)
Posted 09:56 30th November 2012
NHsaints says...
Hmmm, well that would be a stroke of luck (if the all blacks lost because they were ill) but I still don't see them losing.
Posted 07:24 30th November 2012
Golden_statenba says...
Bokavenger=Suzie
I knew it!
Posted 04:24 30th November 2012
Spartacus says...
Usually NZ wait until they have lost to churn out this rubbish? Maybe Farrell has them worried?
Posted 23:00 29th November 2012
jmanngod says...
they brought it over from NZ - home is rife with this stomach bug right now
Posted 22:53 29th November 2012
missionary says...
@ynysafro...Greyling is a disgrace. Bakkies is a disgrace. Esteben (sp?) is a disgrace. Hartley is a disgrace. Powell is a disgrace. Grewcock is a disgrace. M Johnson is a disgrace. Higginbottom is a disgrace. Meads is a disgrace. Loe is a disgrace. Cyril Brownlie is a disgrace. Blah blah blah.
Posted 22:32 29th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
I think they're just absolutely terrified about playing England. Fear does funny things to you.
Posted 22:30 29th November 2012
Dafydd29 says...
This is the only way England could win.
Posted 20:07 29th November 2012
ynysafro says...
Andrew Hore a discrace.
On a different note is it true the blacks are changing the colour of their strip to brown for Saturdays game? :)
Posted 18:48 29th November 2012
carpelone says...
@ kiwilad
yes, reloaded
Posted 18:36 29th November 2012
Isograford says...
lol@A guided tour of the Bathrooms. Well at least Read is retaining a sense of humour about it. Not good news though on top of an already way too long season.
C'mon NZRU, give these guys a damn break next year.
Posted 18:25 29th November 2012
ABlack says...
The prob with vomiting it takes 4-6 days afterwards to recover full hydration and the body to restore itself to its normal functions again.
Dehydration will be a big factor in the last 15 mins in the test on Saturday.
Water, water, water
Posted 18:08 29th November 2012
KiwiLad says...
Suzie???
Posted 17:55 29th November 2012