1
Ethan Blackadder replaces injured All Black in World Cup squad
By Finn Morton
Flanker Ethan Blackadder will replace injured wing Emoni Narawa in the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad, with the team confirming the update on Saturday.
Following the All Blacks’ 27-13 loss to France on Friday night, coach Ian Foster told reporters that they shouldn’t be “surprised” if Narawa’s replacement was a loose forward.
The rumour mill was sent into overdrive on Saturday with Blackadder a notable last-minute omission from the Tasman Mako team to play Tarnaki in New Zealand’s provincial competition.
But the rumours are true. Blackadder will head to France as the newest member of the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad ahead of their clash with Namibia in Toulouse.
“Ethan Blackadder is joining the RWC squad in France as a replacement player for Emoni Narawa,” a brief statement read on the All Blacks’ social media pages.
“The Tasman loose forward flies out of New Zealand on Sunday and will join the team in Lyon before the All Blacks next match against Namibia in Toulouse.”
Blackadder, 28, hasn’t played for New Zealand since 2021 but is widely considered to be one of the most exciting backrow talents in the nation.
The nine-Test All Black was named the Player of the Year at the Crusaders in 2022, but injuries have kept Blackadder away from the Test arena until now.
New Zealand started their Rugby World Cup campaign with a historic pool defeat to hosts France on Friday.
Captain Sam Cane was ruled out just before the Test which saw lock Tupou Vaa'i was handed a start at blindside flanker while Dalton Papali'i shifted to the coveted No. 7 jersey.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Let's be real about these All Blacks
3
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
4
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
5
Latest Comments
Willis is incredible and probably the best of the bunch but in Underhill and Earl we have two excellent alternatives.
Willis is solid in the lineout but I don't think Borthwick would pick a backrow without a 6'5" blindside.
Go to commentsAs an ABs fan there’s nothing to justify
The Boks are the best and just know how to win
And their depth is incredible now
And when they don’t they lose late on by one point
The rest of us aren’t too far away (some closer than others)
But in reality if we include England Argentina and now Aus rugby looks greatly competitive
Bongis knock on and Lomaxes double bank
These things happen
The fact is the ABs overall have evolved with new players and others like Aumua Vaai and Williams who have progressed immensely
But by and large although it has improved overall our second halves are a massive work in progress
So a B- is about right provided there is no loss to Italy
A loss drops it to C- !!
Remember we could have lost all three games to England but were just slightly better that’s all
Go to comments