A hamstring injury has ruled Taniela Tupou, also known as the Tongan Thor, out of Game 1 of the 2018 Bledisloe Cup.
The injury was suffered during the captain’s run in preparation for the match. It’s not yet clear how serious the injury is.
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Jermaine Ainsley of the Melbourne Rebels was named as the side’s 24th man, and will likely be the player to replace Tupou.
If so then Ainsley would be the second of two potential debutants off the bench in this match, alongside Jack Maddocks.
The Wallabies haven’t won the Bledisloe Cup in 16 years, and are priced out at $4.40 to get the win tonight, while the All Blacks are at $1.23.
1. Tom Robertson (21 Tests)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (82 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (94 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (7 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (23 Tests)
6. Lukhan Tui (7 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (82 Tests)
8. David Pocock (69 Tests)
9. Will Genia (90 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (58 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (11 Tests)
12. Kurtley Beale (74 Tests)
13. Reece Hodge (27 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty (21 Tests)
15. Israel Folau (65 Tests)
Reserves
16. Tolu Latu (7 Tests)
17. Allan Alaalatoa (23 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (4 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (85 Tests)
20. Pete Samu (3 Tests)
21. Nick Phipps (64 Tests)
22. Matt Toomua (33 Tests)
23. Jack Maddocks*
24. Jermaine Ainsley*
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.
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