KEO News Wire
All Blacks draft in Riccitelli and Hemopo, Barrett not risked for third Test
Beauden Barrett will not be risked for the third Test against France, but Ricky Riccitelli and Jackson Hemopo could win their first caps.
Uncapped duo Ricky Riccitelli and Jackson Hemopo have been added to the New Zealand squad for the final Test against France, while Beauden Barrett will not make the trip to Dunedin.
Hurricanes hooker Riccitelli has been drafted in as cover for Nathan Harris, who headed home for the birth of his first child after the All Blacks beat Les Bleus 26-13 in Wellington on Saturday to wrap up the series with a match to spare.
Highlanders lock Hemopo will provide cover for Vaea Fifita and Liam Squire, who are doubts due to concussion and a shoulder injury respectively.
Talismanic fly-half Barrett is also suffering from symptoms of concussion after a collision with Benjamin Fall as he attempted to take a high ball, resulting in a red card for the France full-back.
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen said: “There’s no point putting him under extra pressure of the travel, when he can stay at home and rest and come down tomorrow or not come down at all. We won’t take any risk with him.”
The world champions will attempt to pull off a whitewash at Forsyth Barr Stadium next Saturday.
KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta
-
International Rugby1 week agoWorld media salutes Boks as England are buried in Nations Championship
-
International Rugby1 week agoEvan Roos must make a statement for Boks against Scotland
-
International Rugby2 weeks agoWhat the English media think of the Springboks team to face England
-
KEO News Wire1 week agoBrutal and beautiful Boks batter England at Ellis Park
-
International Rugby7 days agoBig Jim goes Big on the Springboks
-
International Rugby3 days agoSpringboks beat Scotland: 5 Boks make a statement
-
KEO News Wire2 weeks agoHistory says it is Boks by 10 when England plays in South Africa
-
KEO News Wire2 weeks agoHenry Pollock leads England’s fight against Bok bruisers