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All Blacks' latest injury replacement withdrawn from Lions game with illness

RugbyPass · Ned Lester · 2026-08-25T16:31:18+00:00 · nguồn gốc

All Blacks' latest injury replacement withdrawn from Lions game with illness Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s All Blacks return has hit a snag, with the veteran prop coming down with an illness quickly after landing in South Africa. The 34-year-old only arrived in the country on Monday morning, getting a late call-up after Ethan de Groot suffered a concussion in Saturday’s 33-16 win over the Springboks. He was immediately named by Dave Rennie in the No.17 jersey in Tuesday evening’s match against the Lions. His withdrawal means Xavier Numia will come onto the All Blacks’ bench. Tu’ungafasi hasn’t been seen in black since 2024’s northern tour, before a neck injury derailed his 2025. With the change, New Zealand’s reserve front row loses 66 Tests of experience. All Blacks’ updated team sheet: 1. Siale Lauaki 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho 3. Pasilio Tosi 4. Sam Darry, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu 6. Wallace Sititi 7. Ethan Blackadder 8. Semisi Ta’eiloa 9. Noah Hotham 10. Richie Mo’unga 11. Emoni Narawa 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai 13. Rieko Ioane 14. Fehi Fineanganofo 15. Beauden Barrett Reserves 16. Bradley Slater 17. Xavier Numia 18. Saula Ma’u 19. Jamie Hannah 20. Peter Lakai 21. Kyle Preston 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Anton Lienert-Brown Your home for rugby. Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now! Follow your favourite teams, tournaments and players, and get personalised news and Match Centre notifications direct to your device. From live rugby streams and upcoming fixtures to breaking news, in-depth analysis and live scores, RugbyPass has everything you need to stay connected to the game.