All Blacks: Nine players to return to New Zealand ahead of final Greatest Rivalry series clash
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea and midfielder Quinn Tupaea (inset).
All Blacks boss Dave Rennie has announced a 36-man squad of players for their final Test against the Springboks in Baltimore next Saturday.
New Zealand suffered a 29-24 defeat against South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday and that result means the world champions now hold a 2-1 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Three first-choice players suffer injuries
That encounter was an attritional affair and the All Blacks lost the services of three of their first-choice players to injury.
Captain and number eight Ardie Savea suffered a dislocated shoulder which forced him off during the latter part of the Soweto showdown after he had crossed for two well-taken tries.
Meanwhile, outside centre Quinn Tupaea also left the field early in the second half due to a knee injury.
Openside flanker Luke Jacobson, who took over the All Blacks captaincy after Savea’s departure, finished the match but it was revealed afterwards that he will also return home after injuring his elbow.
Springboks v All Blacks: Seven talking points from Soweto as South Africa go 2-1 up
Apart from the aforementioned trio, six other players will also be heading back to New Zealand. They are: Josh Jacomb, Siale Lauaki, Saula Ma’u, Cortez Ratima (knee injury), Bradley Slater and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
The All Blacks and Springboks are set to meet in the fourth Greatest Rivalry series Test at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday.
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All Blacks squad for Baltimore Test
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Ethan Blackadder, Semisi Ta’eiloa
Backs: Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, Beauden Barrett, Ruben Love, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie
