1
Two All Blacks go down in Bledisloe win
By Online Editors
The All Blacks have two holes to fill in their starting lineup for next weekend's second Bledisloe Test at Eden Park.
Head Coach Steve Hansen confirmed after Saturday's night 38-13 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney that both Rieko Ioane and Ryan Crotty would not feature in next Saturday's rematch.
Crotty lasted just 12 minutes before he was taken off after a head clash with midfield partner Jack Goodhue, while Ioane suffered a strained hamstring early in the second half.
Anton Lienert-Brown - who replaced Crotty in the early stages - shapes as the likely contender for Crotty's vacated No. 12 jersey, with barnstorming midfielder Ngani Laumape also presenting a solid case for inclusion.
"We've got a lot of faith in Anton ... he's never let us down," Hansen said. "The reason we didn't start him is we know he does that role off the bench really well, and it allowed Jack to start with a guy he knows really well."
"Alby has been given an opportunity through injury and done really well. Having said that, we've got some quality people who can play that position, Ngani being one of them. We'll make some decisions over the next few days."
Ioane's absence could trigger a backline reshuffle, with Jordie Barrett and Nehe Milner-Skudder the likely candidates to fill the void on the left wing. Another option for Hansen would be starting either Damian McKenzie or Barrett at fullback and shifting Ben Smith to the wing.
In other news:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
3
Fissler Confidential: Willie le Roux rumours ignite after Bok star spo
4
France player ratings vs Argentina | Autumn Nations Series
5
Latest Comments
If Razor picked jaded players, where is the role of a squad? Where is the anticipated innovation from this group? The season has been a big disappointment considering the talent available (but left sitting on the sideline). Was ready for a fresh approach after the frustration of the Foster era but we only got more of the same and a timid coaching group.
Go to commentsWatching the game now I get a sense of things to come. Ref puts his flag up when Patricks legs go over the line ages after he has released the ball. That is not out in touch.
Then Tele'a has a brain fade and tries to jump into touch, slapping the ball back, when he should know and be trained in running from outside touch and jumping into the field of play with it. If he had of done that simple fix of altering his approach angle there's noway anyone is getting to him to stop the try.
Go to comments