All Blacks suffer major setback with key player ruled out of Springbok Tests
Patrick Tuipulotu will be sidelined for at least six weeks, ruling him out of the Springboks matches in Auckland and Wellington.
The All Blacks must make changes before their second Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Buenos Aires after injuries ruled out Patrick Tuipulotu and Anton Lienert-Brown.
Tuipulotu fractured his face during New Zealand’s 41-24 win over the Pumas in Córdoba and will undergo surgery, sidelining him for at least six weeks and forcing him to miss the Springboks clashes in Auckland (6 September) and Wellington (13 September).
Lienert-Brown failed a head injury assessment after a head-on collision that earned him a yellow card. He will return to New Zealand and could rejoin the squad for the Springboks tests if he clears concussion protocols.
Squad Adjustments Underway
Coach Scott Robertson confirmed on Tuesday that both players will miss Sunday’s rematch against Argentina.
“They won’t be available for this week, but we have cover. We’ll make sure we get combinations right and give opportunities to players who need minutes,” Robertson said.
Timoci Tavatavanawai and Quinn Tupaea are in contention for midfield roles, while Josh Lord, already in the squad as cover, could replace Tuipulotu in the second row. Samipeni Finau offers another flexible option, able to play both lock and blindside flanker. Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams, who are recovering from earlier injuries, are also expected to be included in the match-day 23.
Uncapped Players Could Debut
With squad depth in focus ahead of the looming Tests against South Africa, there is speculation that uncapped players like Kyle Preston (halfback) and Leroy Carter (wing) may be handed their debuts this weekend.
Robertson emphasised the importance of balancing cohesion with development.
“Some guys need football, and some combinations need time together. But you also have to look ahead in the cycle and build depth.”
Eyes on the Springboks
Robertson also commented on South Africa’s recent shock defeat to the Wallabies in Johannesburg, highlighting the fine margins that determine Test rugby.
“It’s a game of moments – discipline, accuracy, errors. It can swing quickly. We know how the Springboks play, and they’ll go back to their DNA. It’s about how we stop them, and how we impose our own style.”