Five minor wounds compelled the All Blacks into a mix and match of different selections for their game against Tonga in Hamilton for their pre-World Cup loadout.
While Steve Hansen and the rest of the coaching staff will not be too worried that a quintet of their 31 Japan-bound troops are unavailable for their upcoming game, it does still come as a disruption to their plans. Richie Mo’unga (knee), Jack Goodhue (hamstring) and to a lower degree Sonny Bill Williams (calf) were flagged as prospective omissions from the game at FMG Stadium Waikato previously this week, but Sam Cane (hamstring) and Rieko Ioane (calf) were also added to the roster when the squad was announced on Thursday.
Going off of Hansen’s rationale, it’s rather strange then that Dane Coles, the first-choice hooker, is not part of the team, with Codie Taylor having a start and Liam Coltman having an opportunity from the bench for rare, extra minutes. The lack of Cane implies a beginning for Matt Todd as Scott Barrett returns from suspension on the bench and Luke Jacobson is scheduled for his second sample appearance.
In the backline, he was robbed of a chance at redemption by Rieko Ioane’s tight calf, with Hansen confirming he was going to play the 22-year-old who was left a fortnight away for the Bledisloe Cup retainer, where George Bridge appeared in his position in the Wallabies ‘ 36-0 game played in Auckland.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.9/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
More About Trent Wilson
Trent Wilson is OnlineBetting.nz’s resident sports news expert. He draws on his extensive sporting knowledge, his qualification in sports management and his passion for betting to provide the latest, most up to date information on sporting events in New Zealand and across the globe. Trent is a veritable treasure trove of sports information and has been betting online for several years. He prides himself in keeping his readers informed, and in always offering an unbiased standpoint that reflects exactly what’s going on in the sports world.
View Posts - Visit WebsiteYou May Also Like:
James Parsons To Retire Due To Concussion
Former All Black James Parsons has announced his retirement from professional rugby due to ongoing concussion symptoms. The former Blues hooker was last year named in the squad for this year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, but in a recent statement explained that he has made the call to pull the ….
Springboks Say They Will Tour To Play Lions
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has expressed a willingness to see the Springboks’ upcoming series against the British and Irish Lions being played away. Erasmus said on Monday that playing away was preferred over cancellation of the series, and that the Springboks would go all the way to “option ….
The Crusaders Recruit McKay and Ranger
Ahead of the Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, the Crusaders have signed up Josh McKay and Rene Ranger, formerly of the Highlanders and the Blues, respectively. Both have been brought in due to Crusaders’ players’ injuries. McKay specifically was confirmed as Braydon Ennor’s replacement. The All Black will not be playing ….
Laidlaw Hopes for Same Players in Olympics
Clark Laidlaw, who spent time playing for Livorno, Borders and Scotland before taking up his All Blacks Sevens Coach position, is a hopeful man. He’s holding on to the possibility of recruiting the services of a number of Super Rugby players for the 2020 Summer Olympics, set to unfold from ….
ABs Skipper Worried About Concussions
All Blacks captain Sam Cane says that although he believes New Zealand Rugby are looking after their players, he cannot help but feel worried about his future health after suffering several knocks and blows to the head. The lawsuit previously brought against World, Wales, and England Rugby – by former ….