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The All Blacks have suffered a key blow ahead of their test against Wales, losing captain Kieran Read with a back injury. Read missed training earlier in the week before suffering a back strain in the Thursday session. His omission was confirmed when the team was named with Luke Whitelock at number 8.
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“It’s probably associated with [the hip flexor] … he’s bent over today and hurt it. He’s in his bed and not very mobile at the moment,” coach Steve Hansen said.
“Kieran is like everybody else — if you’re not available it’s an opportunity for someone else. It’s a big opportunity for Luke and a big opportunity for the team to do the job without him. Whilst it’s disappointing to lose your leader, you can’t do anything about it, so there’s no point in me sitting here getting all emotional about it.”
A surprise inclusion was star wing and World Player of the Year nominee Reiko Ioane, who was thought to be no chance of playing.
“I did say at the beginning of the week that Rieko wasn’t going to be playing. I don’t know what Doc’s done but he’s fixed him and he’s available. He had a scan on his shoulder early in the week, there was no damage, and through the week it’s just got better and better. We tested him today and he’s fine.”
With Read ruled out, Sam Whitelock will take over captaincy duties for the side over Beauden Barrett, who skippered the side against the Barbarians earlier in the tour.
Hansen said that call was simply a matter of common-sense. “While Beaudy enjoyed being the skipper he’d prefer to just concentrate on the role of being the driver. And we’ve got two guys in Cane and Whitelock who have captained their sides all year. It’s a big test match and you want people who have experience in that role.”
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All Blacks side for the Wales test:
Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Luke Whitelock, Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Sam Whitelock (capt), Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Kane Hames. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Anton Lienert-Brown.
