Crotty and Cane in contention to face Argentina

Ryan Crotty and Sam Cane are still in contention for New Zealand’s Rugby Championship clash with Argentina on Saturday after making good progress from recent concussions.

Crotty suffered a head injury following a collision with Jack Goodhue in their victory over Australia in the opening game in Sydney, while Cane sustained his knock last weekend at Eden Park.

Both have continued to train with the All Blacks ahead of the Pumas’ visit to Nelson and Steve Hansen has not ruled either out of a return.

“Ryan and Sammy are both tracking along nicely,” the coach said, as quoted by stuff.co.nz. “We’ll make decisions about them during the week.

“We’ve got complete faith in whoever we pick. There’s an expectation that we play well and do the job so whomever we pick it will be because we believe they are good enough to do the job.”

Sonny Bill Williams will not be risked for the clash at Trafalgar Park, though, as Hansen looks to give him more time to recover from his shoulder injury.

Hansen added: “We’ve just got to get him back into contact and make sure that his shoulder is OK, so we’ll give him a bit of time to do that.”

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