Share

Kaino to miss Argentina test, join squad in South Africa

Kaino picked up his injury when he fell awkwardly in a tackle during Saturday’s 41-13 victory over South Africa in Christchurch, which delivered New Zealand the Championship title. However, he will be available for the test against the Boks a week later, and will travel directly to Durban after having a week at home.

Advertisement

Fellow loose forward Sam Cane will also stay behind, as will his Chiefs teammate Aaron Cruden with the pair suffering from injuries.

Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, George Moala and Liam Coltman have been called into the All Blacks’ squad to tour Argentina and South Africa for the last two Tests of the Rugby Championship.

Meanwhile, winger Waisake Naholo, who has been out for a month with hamstring problems, should fly with the team but could be unavailable for the Pumas Test.

Damian McKenzie has been included as the third playmaker, behind Beauden Barrett and Lima Sopoaga. Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Owen Franks, Joe Moody and Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Loose forwards: Elliot Dixon, Jerome Kaino (South Africa only), Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire and Matt Todd. Midfielders: Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Anton Lienert-Brown and George Moala.

Advertisement

New Zealand’s six tries were scored by six different players – Israel Dagg, Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock and TJ Perenara – while Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty and four conversions.

New Zealand's Jerome Kaino runs with the ball during a Rugby Championship match against Argentina at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton