Veteran All Black returns from suspension but may have to wait his turn

Experienced All Black Anton Lienert-Brown has completed his suspension for a dangerous tackle in the Super Rugby Pacific final but may have to wait in line to return to the starting team.

This is because the midfield duo of Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane have started the Test season brilliantly, with the former settling into the number 12 shirt and offering his skills as an extra kicker whilst the latter looks to be finding that devastating running form again.

It is unfortunate for Lienert-Brown, who was playing well until the head clash with Crusaders star Dallas McLeod led to a sin-binning and suspension.

Frustration is normal

Lienert-Brown admits he has been frustrated but is focused on getting better, and the rest will work itself out.

“I’m human, and there have been times when I’ve been frustrated,” he told Stuff. “But you’ve just got to quickly get over it, move on, and focus week by week. When you’re not playing, you’ve got to focus on getting better and fitter.”

The centre acknowledged how well the Barrett-Ioane centre pairing has played and said all he can do at this stage is train hard.

“They’re going extremely well, and I’ve enjoyed watching them,” he said. “For myself, it’s just about doing all you can. The benefit of not playing is you don’t get any niggles and can have a full week’s training.

“I was feeling pretty good up until I ran into my good mate Dallas’ head. That was a frustrating moment, but before that I felt I had got myself into a good place, and over the last couple of weeks I’ve just been training hard.”

Bledisloe week

This week is Bledisloe Cup week against Australia, who have failed to win in Eddie Jones’ first two games back with the side.

Nevertheless, Lienert-Brown expects the Wallabies to lift their game and provide a big challenge this weekend in Melbourne.

“When they play us, they go up another level, and with Eddie Jones at the helm now, he’ll have a few tricks up his sleeve,” he said.

“They would have stewed on a disappointing couple of weeks, so we know they’ll bring their A-game. I have no doubt they’ll come in with plenty of belief.”

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