Share

All Blacks add fit five for Wallaby return Test

Wellington - New Zealand rushed five players into their squad as injury cover on Monday, including teenaged Olympian Rieko Ioane, ahead of the second Rugby Championship Test against Australia in Wellington.

Last weekend's 42-8 thrashing of the Wallabies in the opening match of the championship came at a price with two hookers, two centres and a wing sidelined.

Speedster Ioane, 19, a member of the All Blacks' sevens team at the Rio Olympics, has been added to the squad ahead of the return match next Saturday for his ability to play multiple backline positions.

Midfielder Seta Tamanivalu, fullback Damian McKenzie and hookers James Parsons and Liam Coltman have also been brought into the camp.

Coach Steve Hansen predicted a big future for Ioane, who can play both centre and wing, and who had a standout year with the Auckland Blues as well as shining on the sevens circuit.

"He had a very good Super season and he's someone that we see having a big career," Hansen said.

"He's 19 but he's been to the Olympics. He's been on the sevens stage. He's done a lot of worldly things. But this environment I'm sure will really test him so we'll just have to monitor that and see how he copes with it."

Centre George Moala and hooker Nathan Harris were injured before the Test in Sydney while hooker Codie Taylor (head knock), centre Ryan Crotty (head knock) and wing Waisake Naholo (hamstring) left the field during the Sydney match.

Hansen said Harris was out for the season with a knee injury.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE