All Blacks wing Will Jordan has been ruled out of Sunday’s Test against Wales after sustaining a minor hamstring tear during the team’s recent victory over Scotland. While his availability for the upcoming matches against England and the Nations Championship final remains uncertain, team management is prioritizing his recovery to avoid long-term risks.
Jordan faces uncertain return from minor hamstring tear
Will Jordan limped from the field at Murrayfield, and while he was likely to miss the Cardiff match regardless, his status for the remainder of the UK tour is now in flux. Assistant coach Neil Barnes confirmed the injury is a minor hamstring tear, though the exact timeline for his return is currently difficult to predict, with healing potentially taking anywhere from a few days to two months.
At this stage, it’s not conclusive where he’s at. It’s a minor tear, but it depends how quickly it starts to heal this week. We’ll see how that progresses as the week comes along.
Neil Barnes, All Blacks assistant coach
The coaching staff is monitoring his progress daily. Other players remain unavailable due to previous injury issues, including Leroy Carter, who was ruled out of the squad earlier after requiring surgery following the Bledisloe Cup tests.
Selection changes for Cardiff
Coach Dave Rennie is preparing to rotate his squad for the clash at Principality Stadium, where the All Blacks have not lost to Wales since 1953 and have scored more than 50 points in their last three visits. With Jordan sidelined, the team is looking toward fringe players to fill the vacancy on the right wing.
Fehi Fineanganofo, having completed a breakout Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Hurricanes, remains a key contender for a potential starting debut after previously missing out on the Bledisloe Cup series due to injury. Rieko Ioane is also being considered for a return to the lineup.
Barnes said the squad's depth allows for personnel changes without affecting team performance.
There’s a lot of positions in this team where it’s really close, and you know we can make quite a few changes and still put a damn good side out. There’s a lot of trust in the people we’ve selected in this. A couple of people will get opportunities, and they’ve deserved them. If they perform, it raises the bar in that position, and then the other person to get back in has got to raise his game.
Neil Barnes, All Blacks assistant coach
All Blacks consider squad rotation to manage player fatigue
The All Blacks are considering changes to the starting XV to manage player fatigue during their 15th game of a gruelling campaign. Other players like Scott Barrett, Codie Taylor, and Rieko Ioane may be rotated, while newer faces like Timoci Tavatavanawai and Fehi Fineanganofo are in contention. Asafo Aumua could also see a start at hooker if captain Codie Taylor is rested.
The bench composition remains a subject of internal debate. Other squad members vying for selection include Christian Lio-Willie, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Pasilio Tosi, Xavier Numia, George Bell, George Bower, Saula Ma’u, Jamie Hannah, and Kyle Preston. The full match-day squad is scheduled to be announced at 3am NZT on Friday.
Earlier coverage: All Blacks Name Strongest Available Side for Scotland Clash