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*
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Noticed Ainsley was in the team photo. Hope he has a blinder.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Damn! What legal right does a Rugby Prop have in "owing a hamstring". That is the prerogative of the Golden Boys of the backline, not a big gnarly prop with a name like "Tongan Thor". And to top it off, it is a sign of him being ungrateful to the Aussie fans who were hoping to watch him, barrack for him and hopefully smash an AB scrum. Lo and Behold - it is not right, just not right!! Ha! Ha! Such is life - I wish for a speedy recovery!! We all just have to wait. It is the name of the game!!
Ash
Guest
This is a huge blow to our chances.
scubasteve
Guest
Well now our pack is in trouble come second half. I was also just looking forward to him coming on and playing.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Crap, not only is Thor one of the best game breakers in the team, but I was looking forward to watching him play. Oh well, better just get on with it.
Mzilikazi
Guest
Damn, was looking forward to Thor playing tonight...."props don't have hamstrings" used to be the theory !! bad luck for the big guy.