Just when you thought the All Blacks' wings couldn't get any more clipped, they're down another high-flyer. With Caleb Clarke already watching from the sidelines, Will Jordan is stepping up to fill the boots of an injured Rieko Ioane as New Zealand preps for a showdown with France in Hamilton this Saturday.
In what feels like a game of musical chairs, Razor Robertson's backline has been shuffled more than a deck at a Vegas casino. Last minute changes are becoming a bit of a theme here, as Ioane's hamstring decided to tighten up at the worst possible moment, confirming his no-show on Friday afternoon. The ripple effect? Sevu Reece flits from right to left wing, and Will Jordan, who's been itching for more playtime, seizes the No 14 jersey.
"It's obviously disappointing to lose players of Caleb and Rieko's caliber," Robertson sighed, "but it's also an opportunity for others to step up."
Jordie Barrett, previously scheduled for a breather, now finds himself prepped for any off-the-bench heroics, sliding into Jordan’s vacated seat among the reserves.
Last week’s casualty, Caleb Clarke, succumbed to a high ankle sprain that's put him out of action for a good eight weeks. This injury opened the door for Emoni Narawa’s inclusion, though he’s notably absent from the starting lineup this time around. The All Blacks, perhaps feeling a bit wing-weary, have named just two specialists in these positions against France, highlighting the sting of Ioane’s late withdrawal.
The lineup facing the French is as follows: Fullback Ruben Love, wings Will Jordan and Sevu Reece, centers Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea, fly-half Damian McKenzie, and scrum-half Cortez Ratima. The forwards pack a punch with Luke Jacobson at No. 8, supported by captain Ardie Savea and Samipeni Finau as loose forwards.
With the bench brimming with potential game-changers like Brodie McAlister, George Bower, and the agile Jordie Barrett, the All Blacks are not just bringing a team—they're bringing a squadron. Ready or not, France, Saturday’s game in Hamilton is set to be an epic clash, wings or no wings.