New Zealand: Whitlock withdraws from Ireland

It is a blow to the player but also to his choice. A concussion victim during last Saturday’s first Test match, Auckland’s second-line New Zealander Sam Whitlock, 33, who counts no fewer than 133 picks to his credit, had to forfeit the scheduled second Test match against Ireland. On Saturday, on the Dunedin side. An announcement made this Tuesday by a spokesperson for this select rugby game. So the New Zealand coach, Ian Foster, lost one of his key men The most important device. For his part, All Blacks captain Sam Kahn realized that this absence was a real blow to his people. About it, the comments you reportedFrance Press agencyThus, Kane remarkably said: “Sami was so impressive this past weekend: He will miss his leadership and what he brings to the field.”

The second line is mortal

On the All Blacks side, this second line certainly presents big problems. In fact, this popular second test match on Saturday against the XV of Clover will take place without one of the other internationals in that position, Tupou Vaa’i, who has tested positive for Covid-19. Therefore, reinforcements were called. Having just returned from a season spent on the Japanese side, Patrick Tuipoloto has been called up to make up for those absences. This Saturday, against Ireland, Scott Barrett can leave third row and move to second row, where he used to play. On the Irish side, opener Jonny Sexton, who is also the captain of the XV of Clover, will be part of that big meeting, confirmed Mike Catt, his assistant coach.