The All Blacks' injury toll has taken a severe turn for the worse as they wrap up the Rugby Championship, with a significant reshuffle required for their upcoming tour. Despite clinching a hard-fought victory at Eden Park, the triumph came at a high cost with key players sidelined due to injuries. The latest blow is second-row Tupou Vaa'i, whose season has come to a premature end, adding to coach Scott Robertson's challenges.
Tupou Vaa'i, who was a late scratch from the lineup, will miss the remainder of the season due to a meniscus tear. Vaa'i expressed his disappointment on social media, stating,
"As much as I want to go to war for my country, our man above has other plans. I’m pretty sure my footy for 2025 is done. Time to spend time with family and to get better for Super season 2026."
This injury could not have come at a worse time for the lock, who had been performing strongly for the team.
The injury list doesn't stop there. Scott Robertson confirmed that Tyrel Lomax is also set for surgery on a broken thumb and will be out of the upcoming games. "He clicked his knee the week before. He got through training but then he stood up and it locked on him. He’ll see the surgeon now so it’s tough for him, he’s been in good form," Robertson explained about Vaa'i's condition.
However, there's a silver lining with Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, and Ethan de Groot all expected to rejoin the squad. Barrett, in particular, has been cleared to play towards the year's end. Yet, the All Blacks will still miss Emoni Narawa and Noah Hotham, both sidelined with long-term injuries. Narawa's situation is particularly dire, having sustained a serious rib injury after scoring in the victory over the Springboks. "That was a tough injury for Emoni. It was worse than we hoped or expected. He’ll be out for this year," Robertson added.
With the November internationals looming, the selectors have a challenging task ahead. The All Blacks' depth will be tested, but Robertson is optimistic about the talent at their disposal. "We’ve got a good understanding [of the replacement players] and we’ve got an All Blacks XV to select along with Jamie Joseph. They’ve been watching the NPC and who’s in form so that’s a tough team to pick as well. We’ve got some great depth and competition. We’ve given a few guys a crack at it and they’ve taken it. Test rugby takes a lot [out] of you mentally and physically so we’re really pleased," he concluded.
2,193 posts
The All Blacks' injury toll has taken a severe turn for the worse as they wrap up the Rugby Championship, with a significant reshuffle required for their upcoming tour. Despite clinching a hard-fought victory at Eden Park, the triumph came at a high cost with key players sidelined due to injuries. The latest blow is second-row Tupou Vaa'i, whose season has come to a premature end, adding to coach Scott Robertson's challenges.
Tupou Vaa'i, who was a late scratch from the lineup, will miss the remainder of the season due to a meniscus tear. Vaa'i expressed his disappointment on social media, stating,
"As much as I want to go to war for my country, our man above has other plans. I’m pretty sure my footy for 2025 is done. Time to spend time with family and to get better for Super season 2026."
This injury could not have come at a worse time for the lock, who had been performing strongly for the team.The injury list doesn't stop there. Scott Robertson confirmed that Tyrel Lomax is also set for surgery on a broken thumb and will be out of the upcoming games. "He clicked his knee the week before. He got through training but then he stood up and it locked on him. He’ll see the surgeon now so it’s tough for him, he’s been in good form," Robertson explained about Vaa'i's condition.
However, there's a silver lining with Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, and Ethan de Groot all expected to rejoin the squad. Barrett, in particular, has been cleared to play towards the year's end. Yet, the All Blacks will still miss Emoni Narawa and Noah Hotham, both sidelined with long-term injuries. Narawa's situation is particularly dire, having sustained a serious rib injury after scoring in the victory over the Springboks. "That was a tough injury for Emoni. It was worse than we hoped or expected. He’ll be out for this year," Robertson added.
With the November internationals looming, the selectors have a challenging task ahead. The All Blacks' depth will be tested, but Robertson is optimistic about the talent at their disposal. "We’ve got a good understanding [of the replacement players] and we’ve got an All Blacks XV to select along with Jamie Joseph. They’ve been watching the NPC and who’s in form so that’s a tough team to pick as well. We’ve got some great depth and competition. We’ve given a few guys a crack at it and they’ve taken it. Test rugby takes a lot [out] of you mentally and physically so we’re really pleased," he concluded.