Laumape called into squad, but not fit enough to play
WELLINGTON: Midfield wrecking ball Ngani Laumape has been called up to the All Blacks squad as an injury replacement for Braydon Ennor, the team said yesterday, although he has still not recovered fully from a broken arm.
The Hurricanes’ Laumape missed out on Steve Hansen’s World Cup squad in Japan last year and his 2020 season looked in jeopardy when he suffered the arm injury during the Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament in July.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster told reporters in Wellington yesterday Laumape (27) would train with the squad but
Sunday’s seasonopening Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Wellington was too soon for him.
‘‘No, he’s not back to 100 (percent). He’s in a regulation checkup time and will train with us for a couple of days,’’ Foster said.
‘‘We’re in Wellington, so it’s easy for him. He gets another specialist view later this week, early next week then we’ll make our plan accordingly.’’ Jack Goodhue, Anton LienertBrown and Rieko Ioane are the midfield options for Sunday’s clash, but Laumape’s elevation could see him make an extended squad for the Rugby Championship in Australia next month.
Laumape’s midfield partner at the Hurricanes, Peter UmagaJensen, has also joined the All Blacks squad as injury cover, the team said.