Asotasi in doubt for World Cup

The Kiwis could be without captain Roy Asotasi for the World Cup after he suffered a suspected torn pectoral muscle in South Sydney's 22-20 defeat by the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.

Asotasi, who succeeded iconic skipper Ruben Wiki two years ago, is due to have an MRI scan on Saturday amid fears that he could be sidelined for between four and five months.

The Kiwis, who open their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 26 at the Sydney Football Stadium, have already lost a number of key forwards and could ill-afford to lose another - let alone their influential leader.

Sonny Bill Williams' defection to French rugby union was the first bitter blow and it seems fellow second-rower, Penrith star Frank Pritchard, will also miss the tournament to undergo shoulder surgery.