13th Aug 2015, 11:31
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New hope: Naholo
Steve Hansen says the door is not closed on Waisake Naholo as he aims for a remarkable comeback in time for the World Cup.
The Highlanders winger broke his fibula on debut for the All Blacks against Argentina last month, seemingly ending his hopes of competing in England.
However a return to Fiji, the country of his birth, has seen Naholo turn to traditional medicine, with reports emerging that he might yet recover in time for the tournament.
And All Black coach Hansen explained that he would consider Naholo if he can prove his fitness.
"I know of the treatment because I was over there not so long ago, before Waisake got injured, and they were talking about it," Hansen said to New Zealand media on Thursday.
"And they swear by it. So who are we to boo-hoo alternative medicine. The Chinese have been doing it for years.
"If it works I'm a believer. I don't care what he's doing, if it's making him think he'll get better and he does get better then we've got one more person we can select."
Naholo is not the only winger trying to convince Hansen to select him, with Cory Jane involved for Wellington this weekend in the ITM Cup.
The veteran All Black has had an injury-disrupted season, and now looks a long shot to make the World Cup squad.
Despite his vast experience, the 32-year-old looks to have missed his chance, but Hansen says this will be a final opportunity for Jane.
"It's the only opportunity he's going to get. He's desperate, and just hasn't had any luck the poor chap," Hansen added.
"He's been a very, very good All Black and world class player. If he can reproduce that form then he makes us have to ask ourselves some tough questions."
