While everyone has been talking about the Wallabies shocking performance last Saturday, the All Blacks have been plagued by a number of injuries.
The Wallabies had a nightmare on all fronts at ANZ Stadium. Their high injury toll was a big takeaway. Through all the talk of Matt Giteau‘s career being over, many may have missed sight of just how high the All Blacks own casualty list was.
Traditionally, the battles between the neighbouring nations have always been a brutal affair. The All Blacks were as intense with running the ball, and on defence, as ever. The 42-8 scoreline suggests a one-sided affair. But for the team that got the spoils, there was a high price to pay.
That price is All Black injuries. But, this has given some young, hungry, and deserved talent a ticket to the black jersey.
All Black Injuries Lead To Five Call Ups
While the Wallabies are being labelled ‘the worst team in a decade’, the phone has been on speed dial at NZ Rugby HQ.
Steve Hansen has been forced to send in a number of reinforcements to cover a multitude of positions. A total of five players have been called into camp. These men were informed of their selection by a phone call on Sunday morning.
Ryan Crotty will miss Saturday night’s rematch. Crotty has suffered concussion and won’t be able to recover in time to take the field in Wellington. It’s a shame for the midfielder after he put on his best performance in the black jersey yet. Crotty’s news adds to the problems the All Blacks have in the midfield. During the buildup to the Sydney test, George Moala succumb to a knee injury and will be on the sidelines for at least three weeks.
Waisake Naholo tore the hamstring in his right thigh and could be out of all rugby for several weeks. Ben Smith and Isreal Dagg can both play on the wing, but Hansen selecting them both to play in secondary positions is highly unlikely.
All told, Naholo’s misfortune could be a big gain for one talented youngster fresh off a trip to the Olympics.
Rieko Ioane Into All Blacks Following Olympics Dream
Sevens speedster Rieko Ioane has been called into the All Blacks and suddenly finds himself with a high chance of playing in Wellington. Ioane can play both centre and on the wing, and as such, can fill the boots of either Naholo or Crotty.
Codie Taylor‘s injury has added to the All Blacks concerns at hooker. Nathan Harris‘s season is over after he went down at the captains run. With Taylor’s concussion, that only left Dane Coles available. Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman and Blues captain James Parsons are both in line to get time in the black jersey. This will restore the All Blacks to three viable hooking options.
Damian McKenzie, the most unlucky to not be selected originally, will provide fullback cover. McKenzie is unlikely to play until the Argentina test match, on his home ground in Hamilton. But at least the youngster is in the camp for the next few weeks.
Seta Tamanivalu also joins the squad. This leaves an all out battle at training on the cards. In total, the All Blacks now have four midfield specialists all aiming for the No.13 jersey.
Deserving Call Ups Through Super Rugby Form
Regardless of where Hansen goes with his selection for the test in Wellington, one thing remains true. All of the players brought in as injury cover have earned their call ups. Some have tasted what it’s like to step out onto the park wearing the black jersey. Others can only imagine the feeling.
Consistent form rewards eyes on a player. With these five men, you know that they’ve been on the radar all year.
“Main photo credit”
