All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina have been ruled out of their Rugby World Cup match against Japan tomorrow after suffering injuries.

Fullback Israel Dagg is also injured, following a training session at St Peter’s College in Cambridge late yesterday afternoon.

The players were ruled out after being further assessed by All Blacks medical staff this morning.

The All Blacks team to play Japan will now be captained by hooker Keven Mealamu.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said McCaw, who was due to play his 100th Test against Japan, had suffered a minor calf strain in his left leg, Muliaina had a tight right hamstring and Dagg had a right abdominal strain.

The injuries have forced a reshuffle of the starting XV and the reserves bench for the Test against Japan.

Isaia Toeava will now start at fullback, Adam Thomson will shift to openside flanker and Victor Vito comes off the bench to start at number eight.

Lock Anthony Boric comes onto the bench to replace Vito.

The revised All Blacks team to play Japan is now as follows:

Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu (captain), Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Adam Thomson and Victor Vito.

Backline, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Richard Kahui, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane and Isaia Toeava.

The All Blacks will take on Japan tomorrow at 8pm.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi