Jordan starts as All Blacks lose another ace



Already missing Caleb Clarke to injury, the All Blacks have scrambled Will Jordan to replace another broken wing as they attempt to fly into the third Test against France on Saturday.

Razor Robertson has been forced to reshuffle the back three for the second week in a row after the late injury withdrawal of Rieko Ioane from the final Test in the three-match series against France in Hamilton.

PREDICTIONS: Boks blitz Georgia, All Blacks feast on France

Ioane has been ruled out due to a tight hamstring, the All Blacks confirmed on Friday afternoon. In response, Sevu Reece shifts from right to left wing, while Will Jordan is promoted from the bench to start in the No 14 jersey.

Jordie Barrett, who had been rested, now takes Jordan’s place among the replacements.

Last week, New Zealand lost Clarke to a high ankle sprain suffered in training, which opened the door for Emoni Narawa’s inclusion. Clarke is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks.

The All Blacks named only two specialist wings in the matchday squad to face France, heightening the impact of the late change.

ALL BLACKS — 15 Ruben Love, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima
8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Ardie Savea (c), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot
Bench: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Dalton Papali’i, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Jordie Barrett

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images



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