1
Chiefs to face Sunwolves without All Blacks trio
By Online Editors
The Chiefs are preparing to face the Sunwolves in Hamilton this weekend without the services of All Blacks trio Anton Lienert-Brown, Nathan Harris and Nepo Laulala.
That was the verdict from head coach Colin Cooper today, who told TVNZ that his three test stars are being forced out of contention due to the management of the All Blacks' game time in the opening three rounds of Super Rugby as the World Cup looms.
Despite this, Chiefs co-captain and All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick will be available for selection, albeit for only 33 minutes of the contest.
"Nathan Harris, Anton Lienert-Brown, Nepo Laulala are all having All Black rests," Cooper said.
"He's [Retallick] got minutes that we can use. We had a plan to take him off in the Brumbies game, but obviously Michael Allardice got injured. He had to play the whole 80.
"It would have been better to play more minutes in this game in front of his home crowd, but we're on limited minutes because of the All Blacks."
[embed]
"6006509262001"]
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments