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 |
| 3 |  | Picklebet | | 4.8/5 | Login to see promotions | 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:
All Blacks Apologise For Careless Post
New Zealand’s All Blacks have now issued an apology for a controversial social media post made in support of International Women’s Day. The post applauded the wives of the team’s players for their support, but at the same time also featured a player who had assaulted his partner. An international ….
SA Set To Join Six Nations After 2025
The South African Springboks are reportedly open to joining the Six Nations after 2025 – this as a major overhaul of the global rugby calendar remains in motion. Brokers of the game are due to meet next month in order to finalise plans for a biennial global competition, and it ….
Kevin Gourdon Announces Early Retirement
France forward Kevin Gourdon has been forced into early retirement by a heart problem. Gourdon, who is 31, once accused the All Blacks of cheating. He’s known to have played some of his best rugby against New Zealand. According to the Frenchman, who confirmed his condition and decision to retire ….
Glenn Moore Says He Welcomes Inquiry
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore has at long last broken his silence following serious allegations made by Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate. According to the player, she had suffered a serious mental breakdown as a direct result of comments made by Moore during last moth’s norther tour. Ngata-Aerengamate’s allegations include that of ….
Former Tonga Halfback Taniela Moa Dies
Former Tonga and Blues halfback Taniela Moa has died. He was only 36 and is understood to have died after a sudden medical event on Thursday morning. Born in Tonga, Taniela played 58 matches for his province between 2005 and the present day, while also helping his team to two ….