The All Blacks have suffered a double-injury blow for Saturday’s clash with France, with flanker Sam Cane and winger Mark Telea both ruled out, while Les Bleus have also lost a couple of key players.
Cane, who sustained a head cut in New Zealand’s recent victory over Ireland, will now undergo Head Injury Assessment protocols.
Meanwhile, Telea, who was a standout performer in the 2023 World Cup opener against France and scored two tries in the opening fixture against Les Bleus, is sidelined with a hand injury.
With both players unavailable, shadow All Blacks XV captain Du’Plessis Kirifi has been called into the squad, alongside winger Chay Fihaki and lock Fabian Holland, who takes the place of Sam Darry after the latter was ruled out for the season with a knee injury.
France, meanwhile, will be missing a couple of key players of their own for the clash, with wing Damian Penaud ruled out due to illness and loose forward Francois Cros sidelined by a concussion.
According to a report by RugbyRama, Gabin Villiere, who featured in France’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, is set to start his first match since the pool stage encounter with Uruguay.
Photo: David Ramos/World Rugby via Getty Images
The post Telea out of France clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
