All Blacks enlist 22-member crew to face Asian champs Japan in Hamilton - Rugby News
All Blacks have revealed their 22-member squad for the next clash of Rugby Wold Cup Pool A against the Asian champions Japan on September 16 in Hamilton. Two big names from the All Blacks seasoned bunch will be missing from their forthcoming match as skipper
Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina have been ruled out because of various injuries. Graham Henry, the head coach of the All Blacks, told the media on September 14 that McCaw will miss the show because of a calf injury while Muliaina will be out for a hamstring.
Meanwhile, Dagg Israel is also suffering from a strain which is a cause of worry for the All Blacks. Luckily they have a meagre side from Japan to compete with. The trio is expected to be fit for their crucial match against France on September 24.
Keven Mealamu will lead the All Blacks side in the absence of Richie McCaw and will play at the number 2 position. Adam Thomson will be applied on flanker’s position for this match whereas Victor Vito will be given the eight number jersey.
Talking about the fresh injuries to his side, Graham Henry said that it is a tough situation for the All Blacks as their numbers of mainstream players have been struggling with various injuries. He added that, “It's disappointing to have the players unavailable,
especially Richie and Mils who were both looking forward to playing against Japan. But injuries are something that we all have to deal with and it's great that we have versatility in the squad so Isaia is able to slot in at fullback.”
The coach further said that, “It was a bad day at the office as far as injuries are concerned but the good news is that all the injuries are not serious. There would be risk of further injury to these players if we let them play so we have withdrawn them.”
New Zealand's squad for their next clash of RWC against Japan includes:
New Zealand: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Adam Thomson, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven
Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew h**e, 17 John Afoa, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
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