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Samisoni Taukei'aho called into All Blacks squad as injury cover
By Alex McLeod
Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho has been called into the All Blacks squad as injury cover ahead of this weekend's clash against Fiji.
Taukei'aho's inclusion in Ian Foster's squad comes after Asafo Aumua reported concussion symptoms in the wake of his side's 102-0 thumping of Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.
An uncapped prospect, Taukei'aho's call-up is good reward for the 23-year-old's solid form in Super Rugby, where he has established himself as a strong ball carrier and reliable at the set piece.
As such, the 23-year-old will be in contention to make his test debut as early as this Saturday when the All Blacks host Fiji at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
He will be in contention with seasoned veteran Codie Taylor and Dane Coles for a place in the match day squad, but both Foster and defence coach Scott McLeod have confirmed in recent days that opportunities will be provided for everyone in the All Blacks squad throughout the July test series.
That is promising news for Taukei'aho, who could also feature in next week's clash against Fiji in Hamilton if he doesn't play this weekend.
Against Tonga in Auckland, Coles and Aumua were the hookers used by the All Blacks, with the former starting - and leading the haka for the first time in his career - before being replaced by the latter in the 47th minute.
Born in Tonga, Taukei'aho first moved to New Zealand on a rugby scholarship at St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton in 2013 after touring the country with the Tongan U15 national side.
The 1.83m, 115kg rake has since moved his way up the ranks in the New Zealand rugby system, having represented the New Zealand Schools team in 2015 before debuting for Waikato two years later.
A Chiefs debut followed in 2018, which caught the eye of Tongan selectors ahead of the 2019 World Cup, but Taukei'aho knocked back the chance to play for his homeland as he chased the black jersey.
Now in the All Blacks camp, that dream could become a reality in the coming days and weeks.
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Latest Comments
That is a matter of players style of play. Will Jordan's strength is his running . He has been absolutely deadly for the the Crusaders in that position. Especially in years 2021-23. Foster subsequently then Razor put him on the wing. Scored heaps of tries, but as he showed in one test against Australia this year , he scored a try running from the back, that was amazing. That was after Robertson finally put him at 15 because Beauden was injured. Thankfully there Will remained. Speaking of Beauden and kicking. He kicks too much, waywardly as well. Handing the ball back to the opposition. He is an impact player at best.
Go to commentsYet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
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