The All Blacks have assembled in Auckland ahead their Rugby Championship Test against South Africa, with injuries sidelining several players ahead of Saturday night’s clash at Eden Park.
Wing Timoci Tavatavanawai has been ruled out for the remainder of the Rugby Championship after fracturing his radius while playing for Tasman in the NPC.
He requires surgery and was expected to be out for 12 weeks.
Also missing from the squad was Patrick Tuipolotu with a facial fracture, Cam Roigard with a foot fracture, and Noah Hotham with a high ankle sprain. The trio were expected to be unavailable for up to four more weeks.
Cortez Ratima was still being assessed after a rib fracture in the recent Test against Argentina, while Anton Lienert-Brown (concussion) and Tyrel Lomax (hand) have recovered and are back in the squad.
George Bower, who had been called in as injury cover for Tamaiti Williams, has not assembled with the squad following Williams’ return to fitness.
Caleb Clarke and Luke Jacobson will be back for the NPC this weekend and will be available for the second Springbok’s Test.
Injury cover players Tevita Mafileo, Josh Lord, Finlay Christie, Kyle Preston, and Leroy Carter remained with the team.
Lock Sam Darry and halfback Xavier Roe joined the squad this week as training cover.
The All Blacks are under pressure following a loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires late last month, with skipper Scott Barrett admitting his side was “outclassed” by the Pumas in their 29-23 defeat.
“They got over the gainline, and they held the ball, and we gave away penalties. It just fed their game.”
Saturday’s Test is shaping up to be an important one against the Springboks.
The men in black have not lost at Eden Park since 1994 while South Africa hasn’t won there since 1937.
New Zealand currently top the Rugby Championship standings, sitting one point clear of Australia.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a cash boost for regional airlines, sellers re-enter the housing market, and Donald Trump’s social media fury. (Source: 1News)