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Richie Mo'unga receives long-awaited All Blacks call-up
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All Blacks boosted by return of three stars ahead of France Test
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Dave Rennie confirmed the All Blacks will have three stars available that have been under injury clouds ahead of the first Test of the July Nations Championship.
Crusaders fullback Will Jordan and Chiefs’ pair Wallace Sititi and Tupou Vaa’i have been cleared to play against France this weekend.
Jordan hasn’t played since re-injuring his calf against the Chiefs in late May, while both Chiefs forwards were following return-to-play protocols following knocks in the Super Rugby playoffs.
“Both are tracking really well and so, at this stage, available,” Rennie said in reference to Jordan and Vaa’i.
On Sititi: “He’s come through that really well, so are confident that he will be available as well.”
If Sititi is not deemed match fit, there are plenty of loose forwards available. Captain Ardie Savea is likely to start at openside, while Peter Lakai is an option at No.8. Uncapped rookie Anton Segner can play blindside, along with Luke Jacobson and Simon Parker.
On such a limited preparation, Rennie confirmed the All Blacks would adopt a “simple” game plan for their first run together.
Rennie is not taking France lightly, with Fabien Galthie bringing a much stronger squad to New Zealand than last year despite not having his Toulouse stars available.
“People will talk about the fact that Toulouse played this weekend, and so they’ll be missing them, but there’ll be 11 players from Bordeaux, the European champions,” Rennie said.
“France have 28 professional sides, but they have the greatest depth in world rugby, and so they’ve always got a lot of quality players to pick from.
“Fabien’s smart, and so they’ll have a plan around what things look like. They’ll be a good side.”
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