“But we’ve got a week to sort that out and plan is to probably name the team after the final, whether that’s a Saturday night game or a Monday.”
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie was pleased with his side’s win despite having more players go down with injuries. Photo / Photosport
The injury list continues to grow for the All Blacks, with Leroy Carter, Asafo Aumua, Anton Segner and Ethan Blackadder going down last week.
Richie Mo’unga was earlier sidelined with a torn calf and ankle surgery has ruled Ruben Love out for the remainder of the year, paving the way for Damian McKenzie to put in two strong performances in the No 10 jersey.
Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson, Caleb Clarke, Ollie Norris and Billy Proctor all face extended periods away from rugby with injuries too.
Rennie was pleased with how his team performed in their dominant 43-21 win over the Wallabies in Sydney.
“I was really rapt with the first half, I thought we were brutal, carried well,” he said.
“The continuity was excellent, so was the decision-making. So, you know, we got a big lead, scored early second half and just not clinical enough, not accurate enough.
Shannon Frizell was taken off with an apparent knee injury after coming on as a second half substitute. Photo / Photosport
“When you’re turning the ball over against the Wallabies, you know, they find their mojo. So, yeah, a lot of injuries to contend with tonight. And we shuffled the deck a few times, but proud of the courage and the ticker.”
He was particularly impressed with how his team defended throughout the test.
“I think when we stay connected, we did a pretty good job and the guys just worked hard for each other, especially when we’re down on numbers.
“You look at, you know, Reiks and Jim playing midfield, barely trained together this week. So, you know, even Pete Lakai had a little bit of time in midfield as well.
“So that’s the nature of the game and so I’m really proud of the hard work the boys put in for each other.”
The All Blacks’ Northern Tour begins in Scotland at Murrayfield on November 8, followed by trips to Cardiff to play Wales and then Twickenham on November 22 to face England.