All Blacks draft in replacement winger for Will Jordan

The All Blacks have called on Blues winger Mark Telea to join the squad ahead of the first test against Ireland at Eden Park after Crusader Will Jordan tested positive for Covid-19.

Telea joins Braydon Ennor as the second replacement player to join the squad and will provide cover should there be any late changes to the side which was named today.

With Jordan potentially unavailable until the third test, Telea will offer wing cover along with Sevu Reece, Leicester Fainga’anuku in the original squad.

Maori All Blacks post-match press conference

Maori All Blacks post-match press conference

The All Blacks have been managing a Covid outbreak within the squad which saw players David Havili, Jack Goodhue and Will Jordan test positive while scrum coach Greg Feek was the latest positive case among the coaches along with Ian Foster, John Plumtree and Scott MacLeod.

Ennor was named on the bench in the 23 jersey for the first test to provide utility cover across the outside backs.

Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga’anuku has been named to make his All Black debut in the No 11 jersey while Chiefs’ loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula is in line to make his debut from the bench.

All Blacks team to face Ireland:

1. George Bower (11)
2. Codie Taylor (66)
3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (44)
4. Brodie Retallick (92)
5. Samuel Whitelock (132)
6. Scott Barrett (48)
7. Sam Cane (77) – Captain
8. Ardie Savea (59)
9. Aaron Smith (102)
10. Beauden Barrett (101)
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku* (0)
12. Quinn Tupaea (7)
13. Rieko Ioane (47)
14. Sevu Reece (17)
15. Jordie Barrett (36)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (9)
17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (25)
18. Angus Ta’avao (20)
19. Pita Gus Sowakula* (0)
20. Dalton Papalii (12)
21. Finlay Christie (5)
22. Richie Mo’unga (32)
23. Braydon Ennor (4)

*Denotes All Blacks debut