All Blacks Team Announced for French Test
It is a blow for Jerome Kaino, but he will be heading home this weekend after suffering a ligament injury in last weeks’ match against the Barbarians. According to coach Steve Hansen, Kaino’s injury comes with a six-week recovery time, ruling him out this week’s test against France in Paris. This leaves Vaea Fifta, Akira Loane and Liam Squire contesting for the blindside flanker role for the rest of the All Blacks Norther Tour.
Luke Whitelock, will come in to replace Kaino, but only for the mid-week match against the French XV. After the match, Whitelock will also be on his way home while Akira Loane will be joining the squad after completing his duties with New Zealand Maori at the end of the week. Loane spent a bit of time with the All Blacks during the Championships and will be a good addition. The Blindside position has been a point on contention this week as Squire was also ruled out due to a virus he picked up which saw him miss Tuesday’s training session.
Fifita Makes His Fourth Start
Squire has since recovered from his illness but not in time for the French Test. The duties will now fall to Fifita who will be making his fourth start for the New Zealand national side. Speaking to the press, coach Steve Hansen said that Fifita is still in the learning phase and this will be a big match for him. Hansen also said that there will be changes in positions over the next couple of weeks. Desciibed as not a finished product, Fifta will have his opportunity to shine.
Meanwhile Rieko Loane has recovered from his mumps scare and will take his place on the left wing. Luke Romano also impressed against the Barbarians to retain his position in the starting second row alongside the ever-dependable Sam Whitelock. According to Hansen, Scott Barret needs a bit of time to work on his defence. In the battle for the openside, Matt Todd has been picked give back up to Sam Cane rather than Ardie Savea. Newly reinstated after recovering from a groin injury, Todd will come in, as Hansen would rather play Savea in Lyon.
In all other respects, the All Blacks have restored their strongest team, having gone down to the Wallabies in Brisbane. Preparations for the French test have been a bit of a challenge though as New Zealand is unsure of who the local will select. The French have a talented squad and anything can happen.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Betway | | 4.9/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
| 4 |  | Picklebet | | 4.7/5 | 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 ….