The All Blacks named a 36-man squad for The Rugby Championship on Monday, then immediately revealed five players won’t be ready to play the opening games against Argentina and will be replaced by back-ups.
The biggest concern for Scott Robertson’s team is in the No.9 jersey where Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham were both named in the squad, but won’t be fit to take on the Pumas in their two-Test series.
Roigard suffered a stress fracture in his right foot, New Zealand Rugby said on Sunday. The 24-year-old reported pain following their 3-0 series win over France last month, with scans confirming the fracture. Roigard started the first two Tests against the French.
Cam Roigard of New Zealand reacts as he breaks away to score his team’s first try during the Autumn Nations Series match between Italy and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
“Roigard presented with pain in the foot following the conclusion of the July series and scans have confirmed the stress fracture. He will not travel to Argentina and his likely return to play will be assessed in two weeks,” said NZR in a statement.
Recovery times from such injuries vary but usually take six to eight weeks.
The timeline suggests Roigard will struggle to be fit for the two Tests against the Springboks at Eden Park on September 6 and a week later in Wellington.
Hotham has a high ankle strain. Finlay Christie returns while there is a potential debut for Kyle Preston.
Preston, 25, had never played a Super Rugby game before joining the Crusaders this season – having worked as a vet and then a roofer.
“I think I’ve developed quite late in my journey, I started putting on weight out of school, I got a little bit bigger, it just took me a little longer, which I think was a positive just in terms of developing me as a person, and a player, to be more ready,” Preston told Stuff late last year.
Tyrel Lomax, Luke Jacobson and Caleb Clarke have also been named despite not being fit to travel to Argentina – with an eye on later games against Australia and South Africa.
In all, 42 players were named – the 36 of the squad and six back-ups – and the group includes four potential debutants.
Loose forward Simon Parker has been named in the squad, while prop Tevita Mafileo, halfback Kyle Preston and utility back Leroy Carter are listed as injury cover.
“Simon Parker had an impressive Super Rugby season with the Chiefs and brings a valuable skill set and physicality that we are looking forward to working with,” said Robertson.
“He has the ability to play blindside or No. 8 and has gained experience in a number of New Zealand representative teams, so we believe he is ready for the step up.
“While we are clearly disappointed for our men who are currently recovering from injuries, that has also created opportunities for a number of deserving players, including the uncapped Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter.
“These players have earned the opportunity through consistent performance, and we know that they will take this chance. We are excited about what they will bring to the squad.
“It is also fantastic to have Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi returning from their injuries, as well as welcoming Peter Lakai, Finlay Christie and Josh Lord back into the group.
“We have some massively exciting and challenging games ahead of us and we are looking forward to reassembling and getting to work, starting with two tests against a very strong Los Pumas side.”
The All Blacks squad will travel to Argentina on Friday to begin preparations for the first Test against Argentina on August 16 (NZST) in Córdoba. T
All Blacks squad
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister.
Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi.
Locks: Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland.
Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker , Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson.
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Noah Hotham.
Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie.
Centres: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Outside backs: Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, Ruben Love.
The following players have been named as injury cover for the start of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.
George Bower for Tamaiti Williams
Tevita Mafileo for Tyrel Lomax
Josh Lord for Luke Jacobson
Finlay Christie for Cameron Roigard/Noah Hotham
Kyle Preston for Cameron Roigard/Noah Hotham
Leroy Carter for Caleb Clarke
Unavailable due to injury:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi; Asafo Aumua; Stephen Perofeta.
The Roarhttps://https://ift.tt/gtE5aow Blacks name massive No.9 bolter amidst injury crisis as Roigard and Hotham ruled out of TRC Tests
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