All Black stars ruled out of Grand Slam tour

NEWS: The All Blacks’ depth will be tested next month when they head north for a Grand Slam tour.

Scott Robertson’s side will kick off their tour with a match in Chicago against Ireland before they face Scotland (Edinburgh), England (Twickenham), and Wales (Cardiff).

The good news for New Zealand is that flyhalf Beauden Barrett, wing Caleb Clarke and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai will have recovered from their respective injuries.

The bad news is that lock Tupou Vaa’i, wing Emoni Narawa, prop Tyrel Lomax and scrumhalf Noah Hotham will miss the tour.

Vaa’i was a late withdrawal ahead of his team’s final Rugby Championship match due to an injury to his right knee.

Robertson revealed that Vaa’i may require surgery.

“But it was tough, you know, he clicked his knee the week before and got through training, and then just stood up and then locked on him, and obviously, we’ll see the surgeon,” said Robertson.

Prop Lomax will also require surgery on his broken thumb.

“Yeah, we’ve got a good understanding [of replacements] and obviously we have the All Blacks XV team to select, along with Jamie Joseph and their crew,” Robertson added.

“They’ve been watching NPC and all the players, and he’s informed there. So that’s a tough team to pick as well because there’s been some great performances.”

Additional source: @RugbyPass