Kiwi Manu given World Cup boost

Manu scored a try for New Zealand during the encounter with Australia

New Zealand second rower Sika Manu has been told he will be fit to play in a fortnight - less than 24 hours after being informed his World Cup was over.

Manu, 21, suffered a fractured right eye socket during the Kiwis' 30-6 defeat by Australia on Sunday.

He had been told his World Cup campaign was at an end before an eye specialist on the Gold Coast revealed he would be in contention for the knockout stages.

Manu will miss the pool games against Papua New Guinea and England.

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"It's a real boost for him and for us knowing he can play again so soon after being told his tournament was over," said New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney.

Team doctor Simon Mayhew added: "I took him to a specialist and he said while there was a fracture it was a very small one and his assessment was that Sika would be fine to play again in two weeks."

Wellington-born Manu scored the Kiwis' only try in their defeat by Australia.