The All Blacks will be forced to make changes ahead of their second Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires following confirmation that Patrick Tuipulotu and Anton Lienert-Brown have both been ruled out due to injury.
Tuipulotu, who sustained a facial fracture during New Zealand’s 41-24 win over the Pumas in Cordoba, will undergo surgery and is expected to be out for at least six weeks, missing upcoming fixtures against the Springboks in Auckland (6 September) and Wellington (13 September).
Lienert-Brown, meanwhile, failed a head injury assessment after a head-on-head collision that also earned him a yellow card. He will return to New Zealand and could be available for selection if he clears concussion protocols in time for the Springboks tests.
Squad Adjustments Underway
Coach Scott Robertson confirmed on Tuesday that both players are out of contention for Sunday’s rematch against Argentina.
“They won’t be available for this week, but we have cover. We’ll make sure we get combinations right and give opportunities to players who need minutes,” Robertson said.
Timoci Tavatavanawai and Quinn Tupaea are being considered for midfield duties, while Josh Lord, already with the squad as cover, could step into Tuipulotu’s role in the second row. Samipeni Finau is another versatile option capable of playing lock or blindside flanker.
Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams, recovering from earlier injuries, are also expected to feature in the match-day 23.
Uncapped Players Could Debut
With squad depth in focus ahead of the looming Tests against South Africa, there is speculation that uncapped players like Kyle Preston (halfback) and Leroy Carter (wing) may be handed their debuts this weekend.
Robertson emphasised the importance of balancing cohesion with development.
“Some guys need football, and some combinations need time together. But you also have to look ahead in the cycle and build depth.”
Eyes on the Springboks
Robertson also touched on South Africa’s recent shock loss to the Wallabies in Johannesburg, noting the narrow margins that define Test rugby.
“It’s a game of moments – discipline, accuracy, errors. It can swing quickly. We know how the Springboks play, and they’ll go back to their DNA. It’s about how we stop them, and how we impose our own style.”
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