All Blacks 2023
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Lock Whitelock, who farewelled the Crusaders with a man-of-the-match performance during the 25-20 win over the Chiefs last Saturday night, is expected to travel with the All Blacks ahead of their first test of the year against Argentina in Mendoza on July 9 but could be a spectator if his sore lower leg is still troubling him.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster confirmed Whitelock, who will be a key member of the World Cup squad that travels to France later this year, will be closely monitored ahead of the Rugby Championship opener.
“He didn't train today,” Foster said at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium, venue for their July 15 test against the Springboks.
When pressed on whether Whitelock could play in Mendoza, Foster said: “I don't know; based on what I saw today, we have just got the next couple of days to assess it. Pretty sore, though.”
Foster said additional cover won't be brought in for midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, who was suspended for three weeks after his high tackle on fellow All Blacks squad member Dallas McLeod during the final in Hamilton.
Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga'anuku was nursing a sore leg after the final but it wasn't considered to be serious.
Foster said he expected all 36 members of the All Blacks squad to board a flight for Argentina on Sunday.
That includes tighthead prop Fletcher Newell, who had cut short his campaign with the Crusaders because of a serious foot injury. Newell may be asked to join the squad for the trip abroad. The Hurricanes' Tevita Mafileo has been added to the group, as cover.
Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson is with the squad because Blues wing Mark Telea has a sore hamstring. Foster said there was a “strong likelihood” that Stevenson would also travel.
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Sam Whitelock sure has built up a lot of rugby miles, we'll really have to nurse him through the RWC but his lineout skills and experience will be essential IMO.
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2023:
@Duluth Me and you both mate. Love the fact that others buy them, and I will buy ather supporters' gear at times, but never a jersey. Old fashioned in that way, earning the right etc.
And add to fact, it just has to be a Black jersey I pretty happy with whatever jersey is.No please, not this again…
It’s a piece of clothing from a retail outlet.
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shows the pattern might catch the light quick easily...
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just saw a video where sam cane was talking about how there is 14 ferns and the 15th is the crest....you can count more than that in these pics...are they just making shit up to create some meaning?
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@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
just saw a video where sam cane was talking about how there is 14 ferns and the 15th is the crest....you can count more than that in these pics...are they just making shit up to create some meaning?
The retail ones are made from one roll of fabric, so the number and lay out you get will vary from Jersey to Jersey. I guess the players ones are standardized as they are made to measure
I like the white one, for once. Also more comfortable on hot summer day!
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@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
shows the pattern might catch the light quick easily...
It looks like two different jerseys. The one that Jason Momoa is holding looks like the one that will be worn by the players.
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@mikedogz said in All Blacks 2023:
Designed by a french dude. They should have got a kiwi to design it.
At least if we lose to the French we’ve got a scapegoat
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@KiwiMurph the one he is wearing isnt a RWC one, doesnt have the RWC logo in place of the Adidas on the right side of the chest.
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2023:
@KiwiMurph the one he is wearing isnt a RWC one, doesnt have the RWC logo in place of the Adidas on the right side of the chest.
The one he is holding is. That’s what Murph was referring too I think.
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@ACT-Crusader yeah, @KiwiMurph says "is holding"
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@ACT-Crusader I've had a shit of a day, I scan read it as the one he was wearing
