All Blacks: No Ardie Savea or Shannon Frizell as Luke Jacobson called in for Wallabies Test in Melbourne

NewsExpressHindi September 22, 2024

New Zealand will be without both Ardie Savea and Shannon Frizell for their Rugby Championship clash with Australia in Melbourne on September 15.

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Savea will remain at home to prepare for the birth of his child. The back-row is expected to return for the Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park on September 24.

Meanwhile, flanker Frizell is ruled out due to a rib problem as Luke Jacobson is called into the squad, with Hoskins Sotutu a possible starter next Thursday.

Savea and Frizell absent

Frizell has joined Jack Goodhue (knee) and Patrick Tuipulotu (neck) on the team’s list of injured players who are unavailable for selection in Melbourne.

All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan have confirmed a 33-player squad to travel to Melbourne for a mouth-watering meeting.

Sam Cane and his troops will be looking to build on their most recent performance as they hope to end the tournament strongly against the Wallabies.

It is unlikely that wholesale changes will be made for their penultimate game, with a host of under-pressure players having now silenced the critics.

Prop duo Aidan Ross and Angus Ta’avao and centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are released from the squad and will link up with their respective NPC sides.

New Zealand currently sit atop the Rugby Championship standings following the 53-3 victory over Argentina in Hamilton, with Australia in second spot.

All Blacks squad for trip to Melbourne

Forwards: Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane (c), Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu

Backs: Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Stephen Perofeta, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece

Released for NPC action: Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Unavailable due to injury/family: Ardie Savea, Shannon Frizell, Jack Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu