All Blacks head Coach, Scott Robertson with Scott and Jordie Barrett. Photo: Jeremy Ward / PHOTOSPORT
There is mixed news on the All Black injury front ahead of the Rugby Championship.
It's been confirmed that halfback Noah Hotham, prop Tyrel Lomax, wing Caleb Clarke and loose forward Luke Jacobson will all miss the first few weeks of the tournament, which starts on August the 17th with the All Blacks first match in Argentina.
A NZ Rugby statement said Beauden and Scott Barrett, Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi and Tupou Vaa'i remain injured but should recover in time to travel to South America.
Meanwhile, eight players from the All Blacks squad that beat France will be available for this week's opening round of the NPC.
Anton Lienert-Brown will play for Waikato against Auckland, Ruben Love will play for Wellington against Canterbury who will have Brodie McAlister.
Christian Lio-Willie may feature for Otago when they take on Southland.
Bay of Plenty will have Emoni Narawa and Pasilio Tosi for their game against Tasman, who will have Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Dalton Papali'i will play for Counties Manukau against Hawke's Bay.
Injury update
Noah Hotham; Will need surgery for a high ankle sprain. Estimated return to play: 7 - 8 weeks.
Tyrel Lomax; Has had surgery for hand fracture. Estimated return to play: 5 - 6 weeks.
Caleb Clarke; High ankle injury, does not require surgery. Estimated return to play: 5 - 6 weeks.
Luke Jacobson; Thigh injury. Estimated return to play: 5 weeks.
Scott Barrett; Calf tear healing well. Estimated return to play: 3 weeks.
Wallace Sititi; Rehabilitating well following surgery for high ankle injury. Estimated return to play: 3 weeks.
Tamaiti Williams; Rehabilitating well following surgery for torn meniscus. Estimated return to play: 3 weeks.
Beauden Barrett; Subtle hand re-fracture but healing well. Estimated return to play: 2 weeks.
Tupou Vaa'i; Going through concussion protocols. Estimated return to play: 2 weeks.
