Keith Robinson comeback blows up

All Blacks lock Keith Robinson is likely to join flanker Richie McCaw on the sidelines for New Zealand's final two Tri-Nations matches after sustaining a calf injury during an NPC warm-up game for Waikato at East Coast Bays RFC on Friday.

Robinson, who missed the opening two matches of the tournament because of a back injury, came on for Waikato in the second half during the side's warm-up match against North Harbour, only to suffer a serious injury to his right calf.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry visited a disconsolate Robinson on the bench and the initial prognosis did not look good for the tough Chiefs second rower, with Henry expecting Robinson to be out for up to four weeks.

"I don't think anyone comes back from that sort of injury quicker than that," said Henry.

Henry refused to blame the state of the field saying that injuries were part of the game, but the ABs mentor will undoubtedly be pulling his hair out with the imminent loss of Robinson.

If Robinson is ruled out of the matches against the Wallabies and Boks, Blues second rower Ali Williams is set to retain his place in the squad.

* Meanwhile, Robinson was not the only player to take a early shower during a bizarre night at Windsor Park, where the game was held to herald the introduction of new lights at the East Coast Bay club's grounds.

Just five minutes after Robinson's departure some of the lights failed and the game was called off, with North Harbour leading 15-12.