All Blacks primed to defend historic run at Eden Park fortress ewn.co.za - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ewn.co.za Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Braydon Ennor, who missed the tests against Tonga and Fiji to undergo appendicitis surgery is back and so too is Ofa Tuungafasi, following his knee surgery. George Bower will also remain with the squad as injury cover for Joe Moody, who is back in the squad but is not expected to return to test rugby until after the Bledisloe Cup series. Samisoni Taukei’aho also stays with the All Blacks squad as cover for Asafo Aumua.
Andrew Cornaga
Ofa Tuungafasi is back in the All Blacks squad following a knee operation. Aumua who missed the last two tests and may play the opening round of the NPC to build his match fitness.
“That’s all part of the negotiation ploy I guess, but ultimately he’s back.” Foster said he was impressed with how the 29-year-old played in Japan for his NTT Red Hurricanes side, but would still need more rugby before the All Blacks open their campaign in a Bledisloe Cup encounter against Australia at Eden Park on August 7. “When he went to Japan, he had a clear focus from us,” the All Blacks coach said. “The good thing about a halfback going to Japan is that we want our halfbacks fast to the ruck . we monitored his progress over there and were pretty pleased with what we saw in that space. We know he’s a confrontational nine, a tough defender, he’s good over the ball, he’s ultra-competitive, so he’s done that for us for a long long time.
All Blacks player ratings vs Fiji | Steinlager Series
6:06pm, 17 July 2021 By Alex McLeod
Trending on RugbyPass
6:06pm, 17 July 2021
The All Blacks have silenced their critics with an impressive 60-13 thumping of Fiji at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fiji showed promise early on in the clash, staying within touching distance of the home side for at least half an hour. However, the All Blacks eventually began to settle, growing a lead through patient play as Sevu Reece completed a first half hattrick and Ardie Savea, in his 50th test, dotted down for the All Blacks to register a 29-6 lead at halftime.
All Blacks v Fiji: NZ second test player ratings msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.