Savea, Tupaea Injuries Hit All Blacks Ahead of Baltimore Test

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea will miss the final match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks in Baltimore, USA, after suffering a shoulder injury, head coach Dave Rennie confirmed. Center Quinn Tupaea is also a doubt for the decisive Test, having sustained a knee injury in the recent 29-24 defeat to South Africa in Soweto.

Savea, a key number eight, left the field in the first half of the Soweto clash. His absence marks a significant blow to the All Blacks, who have already contended with a growing injury list during their South African tour, including Caleb Clarke, George Bell, Anton Segner, and Billy Proctor. Savea had previously been rested for the initial fixtures of the series.

Savea's Absence, Captaincy Questions

Coach Rennie described Savea’s injury as a shoulder issue, though initially it appeared to be pectoral. He explicitly stated that Savea would not be traveling to the States for the upcoming fixture. Rennie acknowledged Savea's immense impact but noted Wallace Sititi performed well as a replacement, refuting the notion that the injury served as an excuse for the team's loss.

Savea's confirmed absence raises questions about the All Blacks’ captaincy for the Baltimore match. Luke Jacobson stepped in as stand-in captain during the Soweto loss and also led the team against the Sharks. Patrick Tuipulotu has served as captain for tour matches against the Stormers and Lions, while Codie Taylor skippered the side against the Bulls. Our world rugby coverage previously highlighted the depth in leadership within the squad.

Tupaea's Knee Injury Adds to Concerns

Adding to the injury woes, Quinn Tupaea was withdrawn from the Soweto Test due to a knee injury. Rennie indicated that the initial report pointed to an MCL issue. Despite Tupaea’s desire to continue playing, the team made the decision to remove him from the match. The severity of his injury and its impact on his availability for the USA fixture remains uncertain, as Planet Rugby reported. The All Blacks will need to adapt quickly to these personnel changes as they prepare for the series finale.

Looking Ahead to the Series Finale

The ongoing injury challenges come at a critical time for the All Blacks, who are looking to rebound in the series finale. South Africa has demonstrated strong form, with outlets highlighting Malcolm Marx's 'masterclass' in their recent victory. The All Blacks will face a formidable Springboks side in Baltimore, requiring a cohesive performance despite the personnel setbacks.