It's shake-up time for the All Blacks as they gear up for a crucial rematch against Argentina in Buenos Aires this coming Saturday. The team's recent triumph might have vaulted them back to the world's top spot, but it wasn't without its casualties. Key lock Patrick Tuipulotu finds himself sidelined after a hospital run in Cordoba post their opening Rugby Championship victory.
Tuipulotu, who stepped in during the second half of New Zealand's 41-24 win, had to undergo a head injury assessment. The outcome wasn't favorable, leading to further medical scrutiny. Assistant coach Jason Ryan laid bare the situation, saying,
"Patty went off to the hospital and had a couple of check-ups as well, which we are monitoring over the next 24 hours,"
indicating that Tuipulotu is "potentially unlikely" to make the team for the upcoming game.
With Tuipulotu potentially out of the picture, head coach Scott Robertson is left to juggle his lineup, possibly calling on players like Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, or Tupou Vaa’i to step into the breach. Despite these challenges, the All Blacks' bench strength is robust, an aspect Ryan touched upon. "We've got some decent selection decisions to make, to be honest. Because the people in those positions are playing pretty well. That’s healthy."
The All Blacks' depth is further buoyed by the return of players like Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams from injuries, offering more options in the forwards. Meanwhile, other team members like Fabien Holland, who was seen limping off the field last Saturday, are reported to be in better shape than initially feared. Ryan clarified, "He just had a little bit of cramp; we probably should have hooked him a little bit earlier."
Scott Barrett, another key player, is also back in form post-injury, with Ryan expressing satisfaction over his performance, "That was always the plan there, but he has got through really well and we are really pleased with how he played." As the team recalibrates, the All Blacks remain a formidable squad, ready to tackle whatever the Pumas might throw their way in the next encounter.
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It's shake-up time for the All Blacks as they gear up for a crucial rematch against Argentina in Buenos Aires this coming Saturday. The team's recent triumph might have vaulted them back to the world's top spot, but it wasn't without its casualties. Key lock Patrick Tuipulotu finds himself sidelined after a hospital run in Cordoba post their opening Rugby Championship victory.
Tuipulotu, who stepped in during the second half of New Zealand's 41-24 win, had to undergo a head injury assessment. The outcome wasn't favorable, leading to further medical scrutiny. Assistant coach Jason Ryan laid bare the situation, saying,
"Patty went off to the hospital and had a couple of check-ups as well, which we are monitoring over the next 24 hours,"
indicating that Tuipulotu is "potentially unlikely" to make the team for the upcoming game.With Tuipulotu potentially out of the picture, head coach Scott Robertson is left to juggle his lineup, possibly calling on players like Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, or Tupou Vaa’i to step into the breach. Despite these challenges, the All Blacks' bench strength is robust, an aspect Ryan touched upon. "We've got some decent selection decisions to make, to be honest. Because the people in those positions are playing pretty well. That’s healthy."
The All Blacks' depth is further buoyed by the return of players like Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams from injuries, offering more options in the forwards. Meanwhile, other team members like Fabien Holland, who was seen limping off the field last Saturday, are reported to be in better shape than initially feared. Ryan clarified, "He just had a little bit of cramp; we probably should have hooked him a little bit earlier."
Scott Barrett, another key player, is also back in form post-injury, with Ryan expressing satisfaction over his performance, "That was always the plan there, but he has got through really well and we are really pleased with how he played." As the team recalibrates, the All Blacks remain a formidable squad, ready to tackle whatever the Pumas might throw their way in the next encounter.