Adam Johnson to replace Victor Vito – Rugby News Update
Victor Vito, the 25-year-old New Zealand back-row is set to miss the next three to five weeks of rugby due to injury.
The back-row suffered an injury in the opening test against the visiting Ireland team at Eden Park. He initially left the field to get treatment for a cut, but he endured a knee injury, and has medial ligament damage.
Vito said, "I can't lie, it's pretty gutting but at the end of the day I can only take hold of the controllables and that's look after my recovery and have a really good attitude about doing what I can to get back as soon as and just help the team where
I can."
Ireland is currently on a three-match test tour to New Zealand, where they are to play the All Blacks. Steven Hansen, the head coach of New Zealand, is optimistic that his team can prevail, especially after winning the first-test comprehensively. He is calling
up Adam Thomson, the 30-year-old flanker as a replacement.
Speaking about the injury and replacements, Hansen said, "It's unfortunate for him [Vito], but I guess it gives someone else an opportunity. Liam [Messam]is on stand-by now, and if we lose another loose forward then he will come into the squad, but he will
train with us in Hamilton.”
Johnson will take the place of Vito, which is the only change expected in the squad from the start. John has been a regular for the All Blacks since his debut against Ireland at Wellington, on June 7, 2008 and so far he has played 25 times for his country,
starting 15 of those games and coming on as a substitute a further 10 times. It is an opportunity for him to stake a permanent starting berth.
However, it is unfortunate for Vito, who has slowly established himself as a starter for the All Blacks since making his debut against Ireland at New Plymouth, on June 12, 2010. He has played 14 games for New Zealand, starting 6 and coming on as a substitute
8 times.
Ireland has a tough task of defeating New Zealand in the second test.
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