Just when the All Blacks thought they could cruise into Buenos Aires with their victory swagger, lock Patrick Tuipulotu might just throw a spanner in the works for the upcoming Rugby Championship clash against Argentina. After a rough-and-tumble 41-24 win over the Pumas in Córdoba, Tuipulotu has found himself on the injury list, potentially sidelining him for the next game.
Emerging from the bench like a knight in shining armor, only to fall in battle, Tuipulotu was subbed in for captain Scott Barrett but ended up trotting off to the hospital for a few checks after a particularly gnarly try-saving tackle. Assistant coach Jason Ryan spilled the beans on Tuipulotu’s condition, noting,
"Patty went off to hospital and had a couple of check-ups as well, which we are monitoring over the next 24 hours. Patty is potentially unlikely for this week."
While Tuipulotu's participation hangs by a thread, the rest of the team seems to be knitting back together. Fabian Holland, who also seemed to be limping towards the end of the game, has been cleared of any serious mischief. Meanwhile, Barrett is tiptoeing around after a calf strain but looks ready to lead. In the wings, Josh Lord is warming up, potentially stepping into the fray as part of the match-day 23.
There’s more good news where that came from. Anton Lienert-Brown, who had a head-on collision with Argentina’s Santiago Chocobares, has passed his head injury assessment. The All Blacks also have loose forward Wallace Sititi and prop Tamaiti Williams ready to roll after they sat out in Córdoba. Sititi might even snag his first Test start at No 8 - talk about a promotion!
Despite bagging a bonus-point win, the All Blacks weren’t all smiles about their performance. Ryan pointed out that a near month-long break after the French series might have left them a bit rusty. "We need to be more clinical," Ryan admitted, reflecting on the numerous second-half errors and the team's overall discipline.
The squad for Saturday’s showdown will be revealed on Friday, giving fans and foes alike a glimpse of who will take to the field in Buenos Aires. Will Tuipulotu make a miraculous recovery, or will the All Blacks have to lock down their game plan without him? Stay tuned.
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Just when the All Blacks thought they could cruise into Buenos Aires with their victory swagger, lock Patrick Tuipulotu might just throw a spanner in the works for the upcoming Rugby Championship clash against Argentina. After a rough-and-tumble 41-24 win over the Pumas in Córdoba, Tuipulotu has found himself on the injury list, potentially sidelining him for the next game.
Emerging from the bench like a knight in shining armor, only to fall in battle, Tuipulotu was subbed in for captain Scott Barrett but ended up trotting off to the hospital for a few checks after a particularly gnarly try-saving tackle. Assistant coach Jason Ryan spilled the beans on Tuipulotu’s condition, noting,
"Patty went off to hospital and had a couple of check-ups as well, which we are monitoring over the next 24 hours. Patty is potentially unlikely for this week."
While Tuipulotu's participation hangs by a thread, the rest of the team seems to be knitting back together. Fabian Holland, who also seemed to be limping towards the end of the game, has been cleared of any serious mischief. Meanwhile, Barrett is tiptoeing around after a calf strain but looks ready to lead. In the wings, Josh Lord is warming up, potentially stepping into the fray as part of the match-day 23.
There’s more good news where that came from. Anton Lienert-Brown, who had a head-on collision with Argentina’s Santiago Chocobares, has passed his head injury assessment. The All Blacks also have loose forward Wallace Sititi and prop Tamaiti Williams ready to roll after they sat out in Córdoba. Sititi might even snag his first Test start at No 8 - talk about a promotion!
Despite bagging a bonus-point win, the All Blacks weren’t all smiles about their performance. Ryan pointed out that a near month-long break after the French series might have left them a bit rusty. "We need to be more clinical," Ryan admitted, reflecting on the numerous second-half errors and the team's overall discipline.
The squad for Saturday’s showdown will be revealed on Friday, giving fans and foes alike a glimpse of who will take to the field in Buenos Aires. Will Tuipulotu make a miraculous recovery, or will the All Blacks have to lock down their game plan without him? Stay tuned.