He may have reached 100 test caps for the All Blacks, but Mils Muliaina is out of the RWC, along with Colin Slade

All Blacks backs Mils Muliaina and Colin Slade have been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering injuries in last night’s 33–10 Quarterfinal win over Argentina in Auckland.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson told a media conference today that scans had revealed that Muliaina, who played his 100th Test for the All Blacks last night, had suffered a fracture in his left shoulder, while Slade had suffered a partial tear to his left adductor.

Wellington wing Hosea Gear and Waikato first five–eighth Stephen Donald have been called into the squad and will join the All Blacks in Auckland tomorrow ahead of this weekend’s Semifinal match against Australia.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry told the media conference: “They are obviously very disappointed that they have both got tournament–ending injuries … and they are very disappointed to be leaving the group at this stage of the tournament.  It’s a very difficult situation.”

Dr Robinson said: “Mils hurt his shoulder right at the end of the first half last night and had to be replaced at halftime.  It doesn’t require any further treatment, it doesn’t require an operation.  He will get better completely and it will probably take six to eight weeks.”

“As far as Colin Slade is concerned, unfortunately just with the timing of the injury we don’t have long enough to rehabilitate him to be able to take any further part in the tournament.”