All Blacks and Crusaders utility back David Havili has been sidelined with an injury that puts him in a race against time to prove his fitness and form in time for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 28-year-old limped off in the Crusaders’ 42-18 home win over the Waratahs on Saturday and has been ruled out of the remaining rounds of the Super Rugby Pacific season and 2023 Rugby Championship with a hamstring injury.

The Rugby World Cup starts on 8 September when New Zealand face hosts France in the opening match.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who will take over as All Blacks head coach early next year, said Havili will miss between six and eight weeks.

Havili has played 25 Tests for New Zealand, his last appearance a 25-25 draw against England at Twickenham in November. He will however be absent when New Zealand kick off their Rugby Championship campaign away to Argentina on 8 July.

The All Blacks then play reigning world champions South Africa the following week in Auckland.

Havili was added to the Crusaders injury list alongside loose forward Cullen Grace, who suffered a dislocated knee in the same game. Grace won his only New Zealand cap in 2020.

“Really disappointed for both of them,” said Robertson. “They’re such big contributors to our team and really important parts of it.”

© Agence France-Presse

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