All Blacks trio out of Australia Test

[The InnFORCEr]

AFP
August 20, 2013, 10:06 am


WELLINGTON (AFP) - All Black pivot Aaron Cruden and his back-up Beauden Barrett have both been ruled out of Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Australia, with lock Luke Romano also sidelined with a groin injury.

The trio were all injured in New Zealand's 47-29 win over the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday, adding to an All Blacks' sick list that already includes first-choice fly-half Dan Carter and forward Liam Messam.

Coach Steve Hansen said Romano was set to miss the entire tournament and would not be available until New Zealand's European tour in November, while Cruden would be out for anywhere from two-to-six weeks with a knee injury.

He said Barrett had a minor calf strain and should only miss two Tests, returning to face Argentina in Hamilton on September 7.

"It's obviously hugely disappointing for Luke but he is a strong character and is already planning his rehab with our medical staff," Hansen said.

New Zealand had already prepared for the worst, calling up pivots Colin Slade and Tom Taylor along with forwards Luke Whitelock and Brad Shields to cover any injuries for the game in Wellington.

"It's an exciting time for the replacement players Tom Taylor and Colin Slade and it's also a challenge now for the rest of the team to make their entry into the side as seamless as possible," Hansen said.

Slade, 25, has played 10 Tests and will be favourite to start against the Wallabies ahead of the uncapped Taylor.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...ustralia-test/

[Alison]

Was it Colin Slade they "resorted to" in the RWC final too? Played for Bath in the UK if I remember rightly?

[The InnFORCEr]

Donald was the man................................eventually

[Alison]

Oh that's right - thanks TIF :-)

[PeterM]

Lets hope that the coaching staff can sort out the issues from last week and we have a better performance than what we witnessed last weekend

[The InnFORCEr]

They're making a movie about "That Kick"

[hertryk]

Donald was the man................................eventually

After the Final merchandise went on sale everywhere with "White Bait" is the man... apparently that's what he's known by

[GIGS20]

Bugger, I had both Cruden and Roman in my Fantasy team.

That's two forced substitutions before Wednesday!

[hertryk]

They're making a movie about "That Kick"

The French came so close though.. The French kicker should have done a Jonny Wilkinson and imagined me holding a bouquet of flowers... I was right in line of the kick.. LOL!!

[Alison]

After the Final merchandise went on sale everywhere with "White Bait" is the man... apparently that's what he's known by

White bait? Was that supposed to be flattering?!?

[.X.]

white bait is a kiwi delicacy - they love the stuff.

[The InnFORCEr]

and Donald was out white baiting with mates when he got the call up to join the RWC squad as injury cover.............gunna be a great flick

[Sheikh]

IIRC he thought the phone call was a prank at first.

[The InnFORCEr]

IIRC he thought the phone call was a prank at first.

that "may" have been the Cruden call, Old Ted called him and told him to keep off his skateboard as he might be needed. I must admit it was the funniest week of RWC 2011 and being in NZ listening to them all start freaking as the 10's dropped was so entertaining, plus NOBODY wanted Donald!!!

[Sheikh]

I sit corrected!