Fifita to step up for Squire
The bad news first. Rugged loose forward Liam Squire is in major doubt for the All Blacks’ opening test of their northern tour after illness left him holed up in bed while his 42 team-mates had their first major training hitout of the week.
The good news? Star wing Rieko Ioane is a better prospect to play than he was when they rolled into Paris this week, after he had been diagnosed with the squad’s second (though unrelated) bout of the mumps.
Final decisions on both will be made over the next day or so, but don’t be surprised if the raw but exciting Vaea Fifita is called up for the biggest match of his short international career at No 6 against France. The All Blacks almost always require starters to log two quality training sessions, and Squire was in no shape to do that in Paris yesterday.
‘‘He’s a bit crook, so has been stuck in his room,’’ assistant coach Ian Foster said, confirming it was not mumps-related.
In terms of Squire’s selection prospects, medical advice would be followed. ‘‘At the moment he’s in bed. If he comes right in the next 24 hours they’ll tell us where he’s at from an energy side. Otherwise he’ll be out.’’
Even with Squire absent it was a busy day at training on a frosty morning in suburban Paris. The All Blacks squad now numbers a bulging 43 after Canterbury skipper, and recent Baabaa, Luke Whitelock was called up to cover for Jerome Kaino, whose posterior cruciate ligament injury looks likely to end his tour.
Prop Tim Perry (tight hamstring), a likely starter against the French XV in Lyon next Tuesday, joined Kaino on the sidelines, as what is thought to be the largest ever All Blacks squad was put through its paces.
Ioane was among them, though Foster hardly gave a glowing endorsement that World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year finalist would take his place on the left wing at Stade de France.
‘‘It’s the first time we’ve seen him out on the field, and his energy levels were down a bit. He’s had a blowout in the gym, and training today. It’s how well he recovers.
‘‘He doesn’t have to be 100 per cent today, but he’s got to be 100 per cent on Saturday.
‘‘The goal now is to make sure he takes the right steps to present on Thursday at a more energetic level than today.’’