Tuipulotu’s demotion adds to selection drama
The late dumping of Patrick Tuipulotu from the Blues could be the final straw.
Lock Tuipulotu, kicked off the Blues reserve bench just hours before the team was to face the British and Irish Lions last night, has potentially added some late drama to the selection process ahead of the All Blacks’ 33-man squad naming in Auckland today.
If Tuipulotu needed one last chance to prove his worth to selectors Steve Hansen, Ian Foster and Grant Fox, he lost it when he was late for Blues’ training on Monday.
If Tuipulotu’s ill-discipline counts against him it should mean Luke Romano and Scott Barrett are confirmed as back-up second rowers to top-tier operators Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick.
All Blacks coach Hansen has stated he will carry a clutch of injured men in his squad ahead of the three-test series against the Lions, including concussed hooker Dane Coles, but given the star hooker hasn’t played in almost
three months it might pay to bite the bullet.
Rather than list Coles with an asterix beside his name, the usual routine when an injured player is included, the selectors could simply confirm Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris and Liam Coltman as their preferred rakes and cut Coles loose to allow him to continue his rehabilitation.
Back-rowers Kieran Read (broken thumb), Jerome Kaino (knee), Liam Squire (broken thumb) and midfielder Ryan Crotty (rib cartilage) head a list of men who, despite their injuries, are set to be available at varying stages of the series.
Captain and No 8 Read should be fit to go for the first test in Auckland on June 24.
The balance of the back row could depend on whether Hansen wants 17 or 18 forwards.
Crusaders No 7 Matt Todd has been one of the form fetchers of Super Rugby this season, yet the bigger Sam Cane is likely to retain his job as preferred opensider for the first test.
Ardie Savea, who can also cover No 8, will likely be his deputy.
There will also be some close calls in terms of picking the midfield and outside backs.
The Crusaders’ Crotty, who hurt his ribs against the Highlanders last weekend, is in doubt for the first test - possibly longer. Given his experience, and ability to organise the defence, he may still be named on the proviso he be given time to return to full fitness. The midfield could also include Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-brown and George Moala or Malakai Fekitoa.
Jordie Barrett has been outstanding for the Hurricanes, but is a Lions series the right time to blood a player who, despite travelling with the All Blacks as an apprentice last year, is in his first season of Super Rugby?
The Chiefs’ Damian Mckenzie, who has been in rich form and made his test debut against Italy last year, may be a safer bet.