Canterbury Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is backing David Havili to be fit in time for the World Cup after the All Blacks centre was ruled out for up to two months with a hamstring injury.

Havili, 28, limped off during the Crusaders’ 42-18 home victory over the Waratahs on Saturday and will miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship and Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Rugby World Cup begins on September 8 with the opening match between New Zealand and host nation France.

Havili will miss between six and eight weeks, according to Robertson, who will become All Blacks head coach early next year.

“I’m sure he can (be fit), it’ll only be a matter of weeks (out),” Robertson said of Havili’s World Cup prospects.

Havili has participated in 25 Tests. In November, his final appearance for New Zealand was a 25-25 draw against England at Twickenham.

However, he will be absent when the All Blacks begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina on July 8.

The following week, the All Blacks will face the reigning world champions South Africa in Auckland.

Havili joined Cullen Grace, who suffered a dislocated knee in the same game, on the Crusaders’ injury list. In 2020, Grace earned his only New Zealand cap.

“Both are out for the Super (Rugby) campaign, unfortunately,” Robertson said.

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

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