All Blacks Face Prop Crisis Ahead of Northern Tour

The All Blacks are grappling with another setback as they prepare for their upcoming northern tour. Prop Ollie Norris has been ruled out, joining Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Tyrel Lomax on the sidelines. The 36-man squad, set to be announced on November 2, 2023, is expected to maintain a strong core, but injuries are forcing coach Scott Robertson to reassess his options.

Norris, who had earned his first national call-up following an impressive Super Rugby Pacific season, played three tests this year. However, he has not played since August 31, when he sustained a back injury during a training session. An All Blacks spokesperson confirmed that he will also require surgery for a knee issue that emerged during the Super Rugby season, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. He is expected to return to action with the Chiefs in 2024.

With Norris out, George Bower is likely to assume a more prominent role, particularly after his recent try against the Wallabies in Perth. Bower’s performance has solidified his position as a backup to Tamaiti Williams and Ethan de Groot for the tour, which includes matches in Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.

Injury Update and Squad Implications

The All Blacks are likely to select six props for the tour, with Tevita Mafileo potentially being the only uncapped player included. Mafileo has gained favour over George Dyer, as he provided cover during the Rugby Championship. Another player facing uncertainty is hooker Asafo Aumua, who has missed significant time due to a hamstring injury and is currently working through concussion protocols from an incident on August 31.

This situation opens the door for either Brodie McAlister or George Bell to join the squad. McAlister’s recent performances have raised concerns over his lineout-throwing accuracy, while Bell brings experience from three tests last year.

The injury to Tupou Vaa’i has further complicated selection, leaving just one spot open among the locks. Sam Darry, who has returned from a shoulder injury, is likely to compete with Josh Lord for this position, with Darry’s previous test experience giving him an edge.

In the backs, the absence of Noah Hotham due to a broken ankle means that Finlay Christie is expected to retain his place. Emerging talent Dylan Pledger is also anticipated to be named in the All Blacks XV squad, despite not yet playing Super Rugby.

Selectors’ Dilemmas and Future Prospects

As pressure mounts for results, the selectors face difficult decisions regarding player inclusion. The return of Leicester Fainga’anuku and the emergence of Leroy Carter may restrict the addition of new players to the squad, particularly with the injuries affecting options like Sevu Reece. Reece, who has not featured since a controversial sin binning in Argentina, could be retained, depending on the selectors’ strategy.

With injuries to players like Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa, both of whom are out for the season, the selectors may opt to bring in fresh talent or rely on experienced players to navigate the challenges of the northern tour.

The anticipated squad lineup will include:
– Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister
– Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tevita Mafileo
– Locks: Scott Barrett (captain), Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry
– Loose Forwards: Simon Parker, Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson
– Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Finlay Christie
– First-fives: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
– Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown
– Outside Backs: Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Rieko Ioane, Leroy Carter, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

As the All Blacks finalize their preparations for the tour, the focus will be on maintaining performance levels despite the challenges posed by injuries. The first match against Ireland promises to be a rigorous test for the squad.