The All Blacks have suffered further disruption ahead of their test against Japan , with Leicester Fainga’anuku flying home from Tokyo for personal reasons.
Leicester Fainga’anuku of the Crusaders
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Assistant coach Scott McLeod said he wouldn’t disclose why the two-Test Crusaders outside back had left the squad on Monday because there were family reasons behind it, and he couldn’t say if a replacement player will be sought as it had been a “fast moving situation”.
McLeod was also unclear whether Fainga’anuku would rejoin the squad later in their four-test European tour, although a team spokesperson later said the 23-year-old had departed the tour “indefinitely” and was scheduled to land in New Zealand late on Monday night.
The hard-charging Fainga’anuku made his All Blacks debut in July, playing two tests in the losing series against Ireland.
He was named in the Rugby Championship squad but didn’t play in any of the six tests.
The All Blacks were already without six players for the start of their preparation for Saturday’s test because of injuries and family bereavements which had forced them to introduce four players from the All Blacks XV squad.
McLeod provided an update, saying veteran lock Sam Whitelock was a possibility to join the tourists later this week as he made progress in his recovery from an inner ear complaint.
Winger Will Jordan, struggling with the same condition, wasn’t as advanced in his recovery and will be a “longer range” prospect to play when the tour reaches Europe for matches against Wales, Scotland and England, McLeod said.
He said the three Barrett brothers hadn’t been ruled out contention for the Tokyo test, even though they will arrive late after attending the funeral of their grandmother.
He couldn’t yet say which day Scott, Jordie and Beauden Barrett will arrive.
“It’s been a crazy few days in terms of players coming and going, but we just deal with what’s in front of us,” McLeod said.
“We’ve got an outstanding group that’s here and all very keen.”
– RNZ
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