Turbulence as they board plane for Africa
(abdominal strain) and fellow loose forward Lachlan Boshier (appendicitis) have both been ruled out of the trip, having been late scratchings from the Jaguares game, while fellow openside option Mitchell Karpik is questionable after a concussion in a club match last weekend.
Lock Tyler Ardron was to also go through concussion protocols before any travel, after taking a knock against the Jaguares. Coach Colin Cooper said he did pass the HIA test on the night, but wasn’t risked, with the South GETTY IMAGES African trip in mind. Ironically, it’s other positions where the Chiefs could be bolstered, with outside backs Sean Wainui (shoulder) and Shaun Stevenson (knee) in line to return, and tighthead prop Sefo Kautai (foot) also a possibility for his first action of the season.
Cooper confirmed all his fit All Blacks – Nathan Harris, Brodie Retallick, Damian McKenzie and Anton LienertBrown – will face the Stormers, which then means McKenzie and Lienert-Brown will have to have either of the ensuing home matches against the Waratahs or the Crusaders as their second All Blacks stand-down game, before the French test series.
‘‘It’s a tough competition, we’ve just got to regroup,’’ Cooper said. ‘‘We’ve got some good leaders among the group, we’ve got some young men that I’m sure will step up.’’
Added co-captain Ngatai:
‘‘We trust the depth in our team. We’ve got young players that can really play as well. So as leaders we’ve just got to get them up to scratch.’’ Charlie