Frizell, Savea to miss test; Jacobson added to ABs squad
HIGHLANDERS blindside flanker Shannon Frizell has been ruled out of the test against the Wallabies in Melbourne next week.
The All Blacks yesterday announced Chiefs loose forward Luke Jacobson would get an opportunity to add to his 12 tests in the Rugby Championship clash.
Frizell suffered an injury to his ribs during the 533 win over the Pumas in Hamilton.
It is rotten luck for the physical loose forward, who has reestablished himself as the leading blindside flanker in the country after a season that has already been disrupted by a long injury break.
Frizell joins midfield back Jack Goodhue (knee) and lock Patrick Tuipulotu (neck) on the list of injured players who are not available for selection next week.
All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan announced a squad of 33 players for the Melbourne test.
The biggest news is the absence of star loose forward Ardie Savea, who is staying at home to prepare for the birth of his second child.
Savea, who is expected to return for the second Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies at Eden Park on September 24, will be sorely missed, but it will mean an opportunity for Hoskins Sotutu or Akira Ioane to prove they can be a capable option at the back of the scrum.
Otago lock Josh Dickson, who has been furiously training with the All Blacks as injury cover but has not yet made a matchday squad, has been released.
That is understandable, given the return of Brodie Retallick to the black jersey, and good news for Otago, which could have been lean in the second row for its game against Wellington this Sunday.
All Blacks props Aidan Ross and Angus Ta’avao, and Auckland star Roger TuivasaSheck, will also remain in New Zealand to play for their provinces in round six of the NPC.
There will be immense interest in whether the All Blacks can follow one good performance with another in Melbourne.
A return to the awful form of much of 2022 will be difficult to digest; on the flip side, another convincing win will help keep the wolves from the door.
‘‘This next test is a big challenge for where the All Blacks are really at, and where we’re at as a team,’’ forwards coach Jason Ryan said after the Hamilton test.
‘‘We’ve done a lot of work . . . but now we’ve got to back that up with another performance against Australia.
‘‘The boys should be confident after that performance but we need to keep them grounded.’’
Ryan has plenty of respect for the Wallabies, who are hurting after a poor 248 loss to the Springboks in Sydney.
‘‘I love what their forwards are doing. They’re really clear on what they’re trying to achieve. The Aussies play with speed, they can get around you, they’ve got power, so it’ll be a heck of a test match.’’
THERE is a strong Highlanders/ Otago influence in the New Zealand under19 squad to tour South Africa.
The squad, named yesterday, will be coached by former Highlanders assistant Mark Hammett.
It includes four Otago players, all of whom are also products of the Highlanders high performance programme.
A headline act is Green Island fullback Finn Hurley, one of the most exciting prospects to come out of the South since a willowy lad — coincidentally also a Green Island fullback — called Ben Smith.
Hurley has already had one big adventure this year with the New Zealand colts at the Pacific tournament in Australia, and this will be another chance to confirm his credentials.
The other Otago players to make the national squad are Dunedin first five Ajay Faleafaga, New Zealand Universities loose forward Will Stodart and former Otago Boys’ No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
A fifth Highlanders academy member named is Southland hooker Jack Taylor.
Highlanders talent development manager Kane Jury was delighted with the players’ selection.
“I guess in many ways selection for a national team is the reward for all the hard work that these players have put in — not just with their rugby training but also managing study and other commitments in a busy year for them,’’ Jury said.
‘‘It’s an outstanding opportunity for these players to test themselves at another level, in one of the hardest places in the world to get a win. The tour will certainly develop them as young men.’’
The tour involves games against Western Province, Sharks and Leopards junior teams, and culminates in a clash with the Lions under19s at the home of South African rugby, Ellis Park.
The 30strong squad will assemble at Lincoln University on Sunday before heading to South Africa on Tuesday.