Jason Ryan provides an update on lingering lock injuries

Ahead of the All Blacks‘ second Test match of The Rugby Championship 2025 against Argentina in Buenos Aires, All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan has given an injury update after a brutal Test in Cordoba.

The All Blacks are still without the likes of Caleb Clarke, Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi and Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who are all still recovering from their respective injuries.

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett made his return from an achilles injury that kept him out of the last two Tests against France in July, getting through 55 minutes on his return in Cordoba.

Barrett was then replaced by Patrick Tuipulotu, but Ryan confirms to media that Barrett’s minutes were managed.

“Scott Barrett was just on managed minutes so we just wanted to, with his Achilles, just not push him, so that was always the plan there but he’s got through really well, and we’re really pleased for how he played.”

But for his replacement, Tuipulotu, it’s not good news as Ryan confirms that he suffered a head knock during the game and was sent for an HIA after the game.

“So ALB had an HIA test, as did Patrick Tuipulotu. Patty went off to hospital and had a couple of check ups as well, which we’re monitoring over the next 24 hours, potentially unlikely for this week,” Ryan told media from Argentina.

Tuipulotu has been a reliable source of impact in recent times, coming off the bench and providing the All Blacks with power and punch off the bench.

With Tuipulotu likely missing the second Test against Argentina in The Rugby Championship, the All Blacks will now have options for the bench replacement.

Josh Lord could have a role off the bench, they could trust Samipeni Finau to cover lock if need be or move Tupou Vaa’i back to lock in the second half.

In the 71st minute in Cordoba, Dutch born lock Fabian Holland was seen leaving the field hobbling, with what could have been a slight worry for the All Blacks, as Holland had played all 80 minutes in the three Tests this year.

Ryan was able to give positive news on Holland, saying it was just cramp and that they should have taken more precautions.

Team Form

Last 5 Games

27 - 23

24 - 33

28 - 52

27 - 29

67 - 30

26 - 52

33 - 19

17 - 25

13 - 26

14 - 28

2

Wins

4

1

Streak

1

20

Tries Scored

21

-10

Points Difference

47

2/5

First Try

4/5

2/5

First Points

3/5

2/5

Race To 10 Points

4/5

“He just had a little bit of cramp, just tightening up a little bit, we probably should have hooked him potentially a little bit earlier.”

Last week All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson confirmed that they were likely to get Williams and Sititi back for the second Test against Argentina, but Ryan says the coaches will still need to have some discussions around selection.

“Yeah, we’ll get through tomorrow, and then we’ll make that decision. We’ve got some decent selection conversations to have to be honest, because the people in those positions are playing pretty well, so that’s healthy.”