Another setback? All Blacks star Rieko Ioane in doubt for Bledisloe Cup II as injury cover called in
Rieko Ioane may not get an immediate chance to make amends for his blunder in the first Bledisloe Cup test, with his status in doubt for the clash against Australia at Eden Park tomorrow.
Ioane, who was dropped to the bench after losing the ball when diving to score a try in the 16-all draw with the Wallabies in Wellington last weekend, is in doubt with a hamstring injury.
Peter Umaga-Jensen has been called in as cover in case Ioane is not fit to play, with a decision to be made tomorrow.
Umaga-Jensen had trained with the All Blacks earlier in the week but was released to play for Wellington against North Harbour this afternoon. However, Ioane's injury saw him removed from the squad late in the piece to fly up to Auckland and link back up with the All Blacks.
Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue will start in the centres, while Umaga-Jensen could join reserve prop Alex Hodgman in making his first appearance in the black jersey if he is required to sit on the bench.
The news would be another blow for the All Blacks backline after George Bridge was ruled out earlier in the week following a training injury.
Bridge is out for up to six months after suffering a chest injury in training, while Sam Whitelock is also out of tomorrow's match due to headaches.
Having made their debuts off the bench in Wellington, Caleb Clarke and Tupou Vaa'i moved into the starting lineup for the second test as their replacements.
Latest Comments
In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
Go to comments