The All Blacks have assembled in Auckland ahead of their crucial Rugby Championship clash with South Africa at Eden Park this Saturday night. Head coach Scott Robertson has been forced to deal with a mounting injury list, as the pressure builds ahead of the third round showdown.
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Centre Timoci Tavatavanawai has been ruled out of the remainder of the competition after fracturing his radius while playing for Tasman in the National Provincial Championship this past weekend, an injury that requires surgery and up to 12 weeks of recovery. Tavatavanawi’s absence opens the door for Leicester Fainga’anuku, who has been called up into the All Blackssquad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign in France.
The 25-year-old returned to New Zealand earlier this year following a stint with French powerhouse Toulon, but was not expected to be available for the All Blacks until the 2025 Autumn Nations Series due to eligibility reasons. However, the New Zealand Rugby board approved his selection after his return to Tasman last month.
“He’s good to go.” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said. “We’re really pleased that’s he come straight back into the fold and performed at the highest level.”
A prolific, try-scoring winger under Robertson at the Crusaders, Fainga’anuku reinvented himself as a centre at Toulon and even had the odd cameo as a loose forward. He has since slotted back onto the wing for Tasman, scoring two tries on his return to the NPC.
The All Blacks are still sweating on the fitness of scrum half Cortez Ratima, who suffered a rib fracture against Argentina, while half-backs Cam Roigard (foot) and Noah Hotham (ankle) are also both sidelined. That leaves Robertson with a potential selection headache in the nine jersey with Finlay Christie, uncapped Crusader Kyle Preston, and injury cover Xavier Roe among his options.
There is brighter news with Anton Lienert-Brown cleared to return from his concussion and prop Tyrel Lomax back in contention following a hand fracture. Flying wing Caleb Clarke (ankle) and Luke Jacobson (thigh) are also fit again after their brief injury lay offs, but the duo will only be available from the second Test against the Springboks in Wellington.
Lock Sam Darry has joined the squad as injury cover, with Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out for four weeks, following surgery on a facial fracture. New Zealand lead the Rugby Championship table on six points after two rounds, with Australia one point behind and South Africa a further point back following their 30-22 win over the Wallabies in Cape Town.
Robertson will confirm his matchday squad on Wednesday, but the Eden Park clash already has the makings of a blockbuster. Kick-off is at 7.05pm NZ time (8.05am UK).
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