1
All Blacks to be without Ardie Savea for Bledisloe trip
By AAP
Game-breaking All Black Ardie Savea will miss next week's Bledisloe Cup match in Melbourne in a reprieve for the Wallabies as they seek to break a 20-year drought.
The veteran loose forward is regularly one of New Zealand's best, helping his team rebound to thrash Argentina by 50 points in their Rugby Championship match last Saturday in Hamilton.
The trans-Tasman rivals will meet on Thursday week at Marvel Stadium, but Savea will remain in New Zealand to prepare for the birth of his third child,
He is expected to be available for the return match at Eden Park in Auckland on September 24.
While the All Blacks are savouring a return to form, the Wallabies are licking their wounds after crashing to a disappointing 24-8 loss to South Africa in Sydney.
Australia must win both fixtures, which double as part of the Rugby Championship, to regain the Bledisloe Cup which has been in New Zealand's hands since 2002.
As well as No.8 Savea, blindside flanker Shannon Frizell has been ruled out of the 33-man squad after suffering a rib injury in their win over the Pumas.
Luke Jacobson has taken his place in the squad, seeking to add to his 12 Tests.
Star league convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won't be sighted in Melbourne, released to NPC rugby along with lock Josh Dickson and props Aidan Ross and Angus Ta'avao.
NZ: Forwards - Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Dane Coles, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tuungafasi, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Hoskins Sotutu. Backs - Aaron Smith, Folau Fakatava, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Stephen Perofeta, Richie Mo'unga, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
Go to comments