All Blacks Face Injury Setbacks Ahead of Rugby Championship

The All Blacks have been hit hard by injuries as they prepare for the Rugby Championship, which begins on August 17, 2023, in Córdoba, Argentina. Coach Scott Robertson has confirmed that halfback Cameron Roigard will miss the first two tests due to a stress fracture in his right foot. The injury was detected following New Zealand’s successful test series against France, and Roigard will not travel with the team as he is expected to be reassessed in two weeks.

Losing Roigard is a significant setback for Robertson, particularly as halfback Noah Hotham has already been ruled out for the entire championship due to a high ankle sprain requiring surgery. The All Blacks coach will announce his 36-man travelling squad tomorrow at midday, with many questions surrounding the selection of two halfbacks to accompany Cortez Ratima on the trip.

There are indications that Finlay Christie could make a return to the squad. Although he has not played for New Zealand since the second test against England last year, he was initially slated to compete for Tasman against Bay of Plenty in the NPC but was withdrawn as a precaution following a shoulder injury. Folau Fakatava is another candidate for selection, while uncapped Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston is also considered a promising option for the future.

The injury list for the All Blacks continues to grow, with several key players sidelined. Tyrel Lomax, a tighthead prop, is facing five to six weeks out due to a hand fracture, which raises concerns about his availability for the match against South Africa in Auckland on September 6, 2023. Additionally, winger Caleb Clarke and loose forward Luke Jacobson are both expected to miss the same duration with ankle and thigh injuries, respectively.

Veteran midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown also did not participate in Waikato’s recent victory over Auckland due to a shoulder injury, leaving his status uncertain as the team prepares for the championship.

Despite these challenges, the All Blacks are set to welcome back key personnel for the upcoming trip. Captain Scott Barrett, along with his brother Beauden Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi, and Tamaiti Williams, are all expected to return from injury, providing crucial support to the squad as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the Rugby Championship.