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All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has called in five rookies after losing three more players to injury ahead of the second clash with the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday.
Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman, Blues rake James Parsons, Chiefs young gun Damian McKenzie, Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu and Blues outside back Rieko Ioane have all been drafted in.
Hansen called up the quintet on Monday after his squad was ravaged by injuries before and during their 42-8 thumping of the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney last Saturday.
Hooker Codie Taylor and inside centre Ryan Crotty have been ruled out of Saturday’s Test with head knocks, while winger Waisake Naholo has injured his hamstring.
Midfielder George Moala and hooker Nathan Harris had been ruled out earlier in the week with knee injuries suffered while training in Sydney.
“It’s a great opportunity in a year when we’re trying to re-establish ourselves, trying to get some faces involved in the group that in the long term could possibly be here,” Hansen told reporters in Wellington.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.