All Blacks: Key Players Set to Return for Argentina Leg of Rugby Championship

The All Blacks are on the cusp of a major reshuffling as several key players prepare to return for the opening two tests of the Rugby Championship in Argentina. This development comes as a relief for fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the return of some of the team's most influential figures. However, the news is not all positive, as a quartet of players will miss the trip, creating challenges for coach Scott Robertson and the squad.

The All Blacks are set to face Argentina in Córdoba on August 17, and captain Scott Barrett, along with his brother Beauden Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi, and Tamaiti Williams, are all expected to overcome their injury setbacks and join the traveling squad, which will be officially named next Monday.

Beauden Barrett, who suffered a fractured hand, and Tupou Vaa’i, who was dealing with concussion protocols, are both expected to return in two weeks. Scott Barrett, who suffered a calf tear, and Sititi, who underwent ankle surgery, are anticipated to be back in three weeks. Tamaiti Williams, who had meniscus surgery, is also expected to return in a similar timeframe.

However, the absence of Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Clarke, Luke Jacobson, and Noah Hotham presents a significant challenge for the team. Lomax, who has suffered a hand fracture, is expected to miss five to six weeks of the season, putting his availability for the crucial match against the Springboks in Auckland on September 6 in jeopardy.

Clarke and Jacobson will also be out for a similar duration due to a high ankle injury and thigh injury, respectively. Hotham, who requires surgery for a high ankle sprain, is likely to miss the entire Rugby Championship, creating a gap in the halfback position that may be filled by Finlay Christie or Folau Fakatava.

Coach Scott Robertson faces a difficult decision in the absence of Hotham, with Christie being a potential candidate, despite recent reports linking him to a move to England. If Christie moves, it could open the door for him to represent Scotland in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Fakatava, who last played for the All Blacks in 2022, is another option that could be considered.

In a related development, eight players who were part of the All Blacks' 3-0 series sweep over France will be released to compete in the opening round of the NPC. This includes Anton Lienert-Brown, who will be playing for Waikato in their opening game against Auckland on Thursday. Other notable players returning to NPC action include Ruben Love and Brodie McAlister, who will represent Wellington and Canterbury, respectively.

As the All Blacks prepare for the Argentina leg of the Rugby Championship, the return of key players and the absence of others will be a crucial factor in their performance. With the team set to face one of the toughest challenges in the competition, the coaching staff will need to make the right decisions to ensure the team is in the best possible shape.

With the Rugby Championship on the horizon, the All Blacks are poised for a challenging yet exciting season, and the return of key players is a welcome development that could significantly impact their performance in the upcoming matches.