Razor's pursuit of 'hard bastard' Sam Whitelock reveals the ugly truth about the modern All Blacks
Talk of Sam Whitelock returning home tells us a few things. First, we lack genuinely hard men in New Zealand rugby. We have locks,…
For the second week in a row, the All Blacks have been forced to make a late change to their team to face the Wallabies.
Reiko Ioane, who had already been dropped to the bench for Bledisloe 2 after a below-par showing in Game 1, has been ruled out of the Eden Park clash with a hamstring strain.
» Bledisloe 2 live scores: All Blacks vs Wallabies live blog, coverage
Ioane has been replaced in the team by Wellington centre Peter Umaga-Jensen, who is yet to play a Test for the All Blacks.
Although the 22-year-old has some experience out wide, the swap does leave the side lacking depth on the wings should Caleb Clarke or Jordie Barrett be forced from the field, but with Sevu Reece released by the side to play Mitre 10 Cup this weekend, there were few other options for Ian Foster and his fellow selectors.
It means that, for the second consecutive match, the All Blacks have multiple debutants on the bench. Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu and Clarke all earnt their first Test caps from the reserves in Wellington, while Umaga-Jensen and prop Alex Hodgman are the uncapped substitutes for Game 2.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies had an injury scare of their own on matchday eve, with number eight Harry Wilson failing to show up for the team photo as he battled a stomach virus.
The young Reds backrower was a standout performer on debut in Game 1, making a significant impact in the contact zone against the more experienced New Zealand pack.
Thankfully for the Wallabies, it has since been reported Wilson has been passed fit to play and will take his place at the back of the scrum at Eden Park today.
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.
Talk of Sam Whitelock returning home tells us a few things. First, we lack genuinely hard men in New Zealand rugby. We have locks,…
He is still remarkably the only player to have pulled on the jerseys of both Australia and New Zealand, which elevates him to legendary status.
In a real professional sport, such as football, international managers are fixtures in the stands at club matches. Their players are often far flung…
The Crusaders have suffered another potential blow as their ill-fated Super Rugby defence lurches from bad to worse - and Sonny Bill Williams has…
I’ve seldom been happier to see the All Blacks lose, than during their 2020 and 2022 defeats to Argentina. Now, I don’t relish seeing…
It was the was the ultimate mix of old and new; and the greatest display of wet weather rugby we’re ever likely to see.…