CONFIRMED: All Blacks reveal Perenara's replacement
INJURED: New Zealand confirmed that injured scrumhalf TJ Perenara will miss Saturday’s second and final Test against England.
The 81-Test veteran is out of the clash at Eden Park in Auckland after being forced off with a nasty-looking knee injury in the nail-biting 16-15 victory in Dunedin two days ago.
“Following scans, we are seeking specialist advice on return to play timeframes,” the All Blacks said on social media platform X.
Update on @tj_perenara 👣
Noah Hotham has joined the squad as cover pic.twitter.com/rqkPJhuTDn
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 8, 2024
Dunedin saw Perenara’s first All Black appearance since he snapped his Achilles tendon in a draw with England in late 2022.
Uncapped Noah Hotham of the Crusaders was called up Monday as injury cover alongside scrumhalves Finlay Christie and Cortez Ratima.
England, who must defy history to square the series at Eden Park where New Zealand have not lost a Test since 1994, will be without experienced prop Joe Marler after he suffered a first-half foot injury in Dunedin.
England are also chasing their first win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil in 21 years.
