As the Rugby Championship draws to a close, the All Blacks suffer a critical blow with Beauden Barrett and Ethan de Groot sidelined for the finale against the Wallabies in Perth. Meanwhile, the Wallabies receive a much-needed boost with the return of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, shaking up the dynamics for what promises to be a riveting clash.
The All Blacks will have to do without Barrett, who has been a pivotal figure in their lineup, after he sustained a shoulder injury during their recent 33-24 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park. Barrett's exit from the field saw Damian McKenzie stepping in, and he is confirmed to take the number 10 jersey in the upcoming match. On the other hand, the absence of prop Ethan de Groot, who failed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA), leaves a gap in the front row, possibly paving the way for Tamaiti Williams to start.
New Zealand assistant coach Jason Ryan expressed the team’s situation post-victory, highlighting the need to manage their player roster carefully.
"We’ve got a few bodies we need to look after, and it’s an opportunity to look at everyone in our squad too, potentially. We’ve got to go up a notch because what we’re learning in second Tests is that everyone gets better,"
said Ryan.
In contrast, the Wallabies are set to welcome back their hulking second-rower Skelton and a recovered Valetini, boosting their lineup as they prepare to take on the All Blacks once more. The Australian camp might also see a surprising twist with veteran Nic White, hinting at a retirement reversal to bolster the squad amidst injuries to other key players like Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson also provided updates on other team members, revealing concerns over Caleb Clarke, who aggravated an ankle injury. "Caleb did the same ankle. He will be in the ice bath tonight," Robertson noted, adding about Barrett, "He gave his shoulder a wee little nudge. It’s with the scans."
As the teams gear up for the final showdown in Perth, the stakes are incredibly high with the All Blacks currently trailing the Springboks by a mere point in the championship standings, while the Wallabies trail not far behind. This setup not only promises a fierce battle on the field but also significant implications for the championship outcome.
2,193 posts
As the Rugby Championship draws to a close, the All Blacks suffer a critical blow with Beauden Barrett and Ethan de Groot sidelined for the finale against the Wallabies in Perth. Meanwhile, the Wallabies receive a much-needed boost with the return of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, shaking up the dynamics for what promises to be a riveting clash.
The All Blacks will have to do without Barrett, who has been a pivotal figure in their lineup, after he sustained a shoulder injury during their recent 33-24 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park. Barrett's exit from the field saw Damian McKenzie stepping in, and he is confirmed to take the number 10 jersey in the upcoming match. On the other hand, the absence of prop Ethan de Groot, who failed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA), leaves a gap in the front row, possibly paving the way for Tamaiti Williams to start.
New Zealand assistant coach Jason Ryan expressed the team’s situation post-victory, highlighting the need to manage their player roster carefully.
"We’ve got a few bodies we need to look after, and it’s an opportunity to look at everyone in our squad too, potentially. We’ve got to go up a notch because what we’re learning in second Tests is that everyone gets better,"
said Ryan.In contrast, the Wallabies are set to welcome back their hulking second-rower Skelton and a recovered Valetini, boosting their lineup as they prepare to take on the All Blacks once more. The Australian camp might also see a surprising twist with veteran Nic White, hinting at a retirement reversal to bolster the squad amidst injuries to other key players like Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson also provided updates on other team members, revealing concerns over Caleb Clarke, who aggravated an ankle injury. "Caleb did the same ankle. He will be in the ice bath tonight," Robertson noted, adding about Barrett, "He gave his shoulder a wee little nudge. It’s with the scans."
As the teams gear up for the final showdown in Perth, the stakes are incredibly high with the All Blacks currently trailing the Springboks by a mere point in the championship standings, while the Wallabies trail not far behind. This setup not only promises a fierce battle on the field but also significant implications for the championship outcome.