All Blacks Face Another Blow as Rieko Ioane Withdraws from Third Test Against France

The All Blacks have suffered another setback just days before the third and final test against France, with star wing Rieko Ioane ruled out due to a hamstring injury. This marks the second consecutive week of injury woes for the New Zealand team, which has already lost several key players throughout the series.

Ioane, 28, was initially named to wear the No 11 jersey for the match in Hamilton, but he has been scratched from the starting lineup. The injury has forced the All Blacks to reshuffle their backline once again, with Sevu Reece moving to the left wing and Will Jordan returning to the right wing after being named on the bench.

Jordan’s return to the wing comes after he seized the opportunity to become coach Scott Robertson’s first-choice fullback during the previous test. However, the team’s plans to give Jordie Barrett a rest have been disrupted, as he is now named on the bench despite his involvement in the first two matches.

The All Blacks’ wing stocks have been tested throughout the series, with only two specialist wingers available. In the first test in Dunedin, Reece failed a head injury assessment in the opening minute, forcing a reshuffle that saw Jordan move outward and Damian McKenzie play 79 minutes at fullback.

Just before the second test in Wellington, another setback occurred as Caleb Clarke was ruled out with an ankle injury, replaced by Emoni Narawa. The team now faces the final match of the series with a reshuffled lineup and an injured Ioane, leaving the All Blacks with no choice but to rely on their depth and resilience.

The confirmed starting lineup for the third test includes Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea (captain), Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Will Jordan, and Ruben Love. The bench includes Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dalton Papali’i, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Jordie Barrett.

Unavailable players include Tamaiti Williams (knee), Wallace Sititi (ankle), Scott Barrett (calf), Caleb Clarke (ankle), Tupou Vaa’i (concussion), Beauden Barrett (hand), and Rieko Ioane (hamstring).

With the All Blacks facing a critical third test, the reshuffled lineup will be put to the test as they aim to wrap up the series on a high note. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial in the coming days as they prepare to face France in Hamilton.