After battling through an injury, veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu is making a comeback to the New Zealand rugby squad just in time for the highly anticipated Bledisloe Cup tests against Australia.
The All Blacks are gearing up for the competition with Tuipulotu rejoining the team on Monday, marking his return after recovering from a calf injury that had sidelined him since August.
Eager to Contribute
As the captain of the Blues, Tuipulotu has been noticeably absent during this year’s Rugby Championship.
His injury occurred just before New Zealand’s opening match against Argentina, leaving him on the sidelines.
However, after proving his fitness during a 60-minute stint for a provincial team over the weekend—where he even managed to score a second-half try—he’s been given the green light to rejoin the All Blacks.
A Key Role in the Second Row
Tuipulotu is expected to take up a significant role in the upcoming matches, likely partnering with All Blacks captain Scott Barrett in the second row.
With the Bledisloe Cup on the line, the All Blacks are determined to maintain their dominance, having held the Cup since 2003.
Tuipulotu’s return could be a pivotal factor as the team looks to secure yet another victory over their Australian rivals.
Injury Setbacks for Other Players
While Tuipulotu’s return is a boost for New Zealand, not all injury news is positive.
Prop Fletcher Newell will miss the first test in Sydney due to his own calf strain.
However, there is a silver lining as first-choice loosehead prop Ethan de Groot has successfully recovered from a neck injury and will be available for selection.
Newell had been part of the squad during New Zealand’s defeat to South Africa earlier in the month, where the All Blacks suffered their third loss in four Rugby Championship matches.
Upcoming Bledisloe Cup Clashes
The All Blacks will face Australia in the first of two Bledisloe Cup tests in Sydney this Saturday.
The second test, which also serves as the final round of the Rugby Championship, will take place in Wellington on September 28.
While the All Blacks are no longer in the running for this year’s Rugby Championship title and have already lost the Freedom Cup to South Africa, the team is now fully focused on retaining the Bledisloe Cup and ending the tournament on a high note.
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