The prognosis on prop Tony Woodcock's back injury appears positive but All Blacks management say it is too early to determine whether he will be available for the Test against Wales in Cardiff this weekend.

Woodcock was forced from the field during the final quarter of the All Blacks' 22-3 win over Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday after straining a muscle in his lower back.

"Woody's stiff and sore in the back but he's better than he was yesterday," said All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen.

"He still has to be looked at day by day to see how he comes through."

Hansen would not be drawn on whether the 47-cap loosehead would be available to pack down against Wales at Millennium Stadium on Saturday though, in an encouraging sign, he is being managed by the team's medical staff and does not require a scan.

The team took a train to Limerick on Sunday for Tuesday's tour match against Munster at Thomond Park.

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