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All Blacks' latest injury replacement withdrawn from Lions game with illness
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Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s All Blacks return has hit a snag, with the veteran prop coming down with an illness quickly after landing in South Africa.
The 34-year-old only arrived in the country on Monday morning, getting a late call-up after Ethan de Groot suffered a concussion in Saturday’s 33-16 win over the Springboks. He was immediately named by Dave Rennie in the No.17 jersey in Tuesday evening’s match against the Lions. His withdrawal means Xavier Numia will come onto the All Blacks’ bench.
Tu’ungafasi hasn’t been seen in black since 2024’s northern tour, before a neck injury derailed his 2025. With the change, New Zealand’s reserve front row loses 66 Tests of experience.
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All Blacks’ updated team sheet:
1. Siale Lauaki
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Pasilio Tosi
4. Sam Darry,
5. Patrick Tuipulotu
6. Wallace Sititi
7. Ethan Blackadder
8. Semisi Ta’eiloa
9. Noah Hotham
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Emoni Narawa
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Fehi Fineanganofo
15. Beauden Barrett
Reserves
16. Bradley Slater
17. Xavier Numia
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Peter Lakai
21. Kyle Preston
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Anton Lienert-Brown
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