The All Blacks have faced another setback ahead of their third and final test against France, as wing player Rieko Ioane has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Ioane, who was initially set to wear the No 11 jersey, will not take the field in Hamilton on Saturday, March 9, 2024, prompting significant adjustments to the team’s lineup.

In response to Ioane’s absence, the All Blacks will see Sevu Reece take on the No 11 jersey. Meanwhile, Will Jordan will return to the starting position on the right wing after being named on the bench for the previous match. Jordan has primarily played as a wing during his 43-test career and had recently shifted to fullback, becoming the first choice under coach Scott Robertson. This alteration marks another reshuffle for the All Blacks, who have had to adapt quickly due to consecutive injuries in the wing positions.

Head coach Robertson faces the challenge of maintaining team cohesion despite these changes. The All Blacks are looking to secure a strong performance against a competitive French side. Both teams have shown significant skill and determination in the earlier tests, making this final match critical for establishing momentum going forward.

The All Blacks’ backline has become familiar with adapting under pressure. With injuries affecting key players, maintaining a competitive edge will be essential. The depth of the squad will be tested as they aim to conclude the series on a high note.

Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the reshuffled team performs. The absence of Ioane, a talented player known for his speed and agility, will certainly be felt on the field. As the match approaches, the All Blacks will focus on strategy and execution to ensure they deliver a strong performance despite these challenges.

The Herald invites sports enthusiasts to engage in a new quiz challenge that promises to test knowledge across various levels of difficulty. Participants who answer all three sports-related questions correctly will earn the prestigious title of “Herald hat-trick.” This quiz is the latest offering compiled by Cameron McMillan, designed to entertain and challenge readers.

Quiz Structure and Participation

The quiz features questions categorized as easy, medium, and hard, allowing participants to showcase their sports knowledge regardless of their expertise. Whether you are a casual fan or a seasoned follower of sports, the quiz aims to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

In addition to the hat-trick challenge, the Herald offers more opportunities for readers to test their knowledge through its Morning and Afternoon quizzes. For those who prefer different types of challenges, Sudoku and crossword puzzles are also available. This variety aims to engage the audience throughout the day.

Stay Connected with Sports News

For up-to-date sports news, readers can visit the Herald Sport page. This section covers a wide array of topics, including the All Blacks, Super Rugby Pacific, Black Caps, Silver Ferns, Warriors, and other notable Kiwi athletes. The platform serves as a reliable source for fans to stay informed about their favorite teams and players.

As the sports landscape continues to evolve, engaging in quizzes and staying updated with the latest news becomes crucial for avid sports followers. The Herald aims to foster a community of informed fans while providing entertaining content that celebrates the dynamic world of sports.

The Wellington Phoenix have announced the signing of Nepal women’s national team captain Sabitra Bhandari for the upcoming two seasons of the A-League. This move marks a significant addition to the team, as the 29-year-old striker is renowned for her impressive goal-scoring record both at the club and international levels.

Bhandari, affectionately known as “Samba,” has established herself as a formidable player, scoring 66 goals in 60 matches for Nepal. Her recent performance was highlighted during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification tournament, where she achieved the remarkable feat of scoring three hat-tricks in three consecutive matches. Additionally, her stint in the Indian Women’s Super League saw her net over 60 goals in 24 matches, which ultimately led to her signing with En Avant Guingamp in France. There, she made history as the first player from Nepal to compete and score in a top European league.

Impact on Wellington Phoenix

Interim head coach Amy Shepherd expressed her enthusiasm about Bhandari joining the Phoenix, stating that the club has secured a player of “exceptional calibre.” Shepherd noted, “She has demonstrated her abilities against some of the best players in the world in France, and brings a wealth of international experience and attacking prowess to our squad.”

Bhandari’s leadership is expected to be invaluable, with Shepherd adding, “Sabitra is a national icon in Nepal and the country’s all-time leading goal scorer. Her experience and on-field excellence will be crucial both on and off the pitch.” The coach highlighted Bhandari’s natural movement, intelligent link-up play, and clinical finishing as qualities that will enhance the team’s effectiveness in the attacking third.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Bhandari’s inspiring journey and determination reflect the values of the Wellington Phoenix. She is set to arrive in Wellington for pre-season training, which begins in September 2023.

Bhandari’s Excitement for the Future

In a statement, Bhandari expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Phoenix, saying, “I am really excited to come to the Phoenix, score lots of goals and make the fans super happy.” She elaborated on her decision, mentioning the club’s ambitions for the upcoming season: “When I heard about the Phoenix’s ambitions for next season, it was easy for me to make the decision to join.”

With Bhandari’s addition, the Wellington Phoenix are poised to strengthen their squad and increase their competitiveness in the A-League. As the team prepares for the new season, fans are eager to see how her exceptional skills will contribute to the club’s success.

All Whites defender Liberato Cacace is set to join Welsh club Wrexham after reports confirmed a transfer from Italian side Empoli. The 24-year-old footballer, who has been a vital member of the New Zealand national team, is expected to complete the move as Wrexham prepares for its upcoming season in the English Championship.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the transfer is regarded as a “done deal.” Cacace has been under contract with Empoli until next year, but following the club’s relegation from Serie A, they are willing to let him leave on a permanent basis. The reported transfer fee is around NZ$4.7 million plus additional bonuses for performance.

Cacace’s Journey and Impact

Cacace’s career has taken him across various leagues since he left Wellington in 2020, where he began his professional journey. After spending two years in Belgium, he moved to Italy, where he contributed significantly to Empoli’s defensive line. He has made 33 appearances for the All Whites and was instrumental in the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As Wrexham prepares to face Cacace’s former club, the Wellington Phoenix, in a friendly match this weekend, expectations are high for his debut at the iconic Racecourse Ground. The club, which has seen remarkable growth with three successive promotions, is under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. This ownership has boosted Wrexham’s profile, making them one of the most followed clubs worldwide.

What’s Next for Cacace?

Should the transfer be officially confirmed, Cacace could also feature in the popular documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles the club’s journey under its new ownership. This opportunity not only highlights Cacace’s talents on the field but also broadens his exposure in the growing global football community.

As he prepares for this new chapter in his career, supporters in both New Zealand and Wales are eager to see how Cacace will adapt to his new environment and contribute to Wrexham’s ambitions in the Championship.

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