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Who will be replacing Ireland's ageing golden generation if they don't make RWC 2027
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Rieko Ioane out with injury as All Blacks forced to make changes
By Henry Lee
Scott Robertson and the All Blacks have been forced into making a change on the left wing for the third and final Test against France in Hamilton this weekend, with Rieko Ioane missing the Test through a tight hamstring.
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Ioane will be replaced by Will Jordan in the 23, which means Sevu Reece will shift to that left wing spot, with Jordan to start on the right wing.
Jordan has spent most of his All Blacks career in that right wing spot for the All Blacks, a position which he was also forced to play in the first Test in Dunedin, after Reece suffered a failed HIA after 1 minute.
Experienced midfielder Jordie Barrett, who was in line for a rest this weekend, comes into the 23 on the bench, to make his third straight appearance for the All Blacks in 2025.
After having only named two specialist wingers in the original squad for the France series, the All Blacks have been forced to make changes and adjustments every week of the series so far.
Blues and All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke was ruled out last weekend prior to the Test in Wellington, after an injury to his lower leg in training.
Clarke’s lower leg injury is set to keep him out for up to eight weeks, meaning he will miss the two Argentina Tests in the Rugby Championship.
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Emoni Narawa is the only other specialist winger in camp, but he was also only named as injury cover for Anton Lienert-Brown when the first squad was announced by Robertson.
