Rieko Ioane, All Blacks wing, ruled out of third France rugby Test due to injury
Coach Scott Robertson had already made 10 changes to the starting lineup that clinched the series with a dominant 43-17 win in Wellington. (Image Credit: X)
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The All Blacks suffered a late setback ahead of their third Test against France, with veteran wing Rieko Ioane ruled out due to a hamstring injury. New Zealand's management confirmed the issue on Friday, forcing a reshuffle in the backline just a day before the match in Hamilton.Will Jordan, typically the starting fullback, will take over on the right wing, while Sevu Reece shifts to the left wing to cover for Ioane. Jordie Barrett moves onto the bench to fill Jordan's spot among the substitutes.Coach Scott Robertson had already made 10 changes to the starting lineup that clinched the series with a dominant 43-17 win in Wellington. Ioane was set to be the only backline player to retain his starting role from that match - now that continuity falls to Jordan.Despite the disruptions, captain Ardie Savea remains confident. "One man falls down, another steps up," Savea said. "If you're an All Black, you're here to do your job.' Savea, again leading the side in place of the injured Scott Barrett, has been a standout performer across the series.He also praised France's physicality, noting that despite not bringing their top-tier squad, Les Bleus have posed a real challenge - especially in the first Test, which New Zealand narrowly won 31-27.For the Hamilton clash, French coach Fabien Galthie has leaned into size and strength, naming six forwards on the bench and including locks Joshua Brennan and Mickael Guillard in the back row.Savea acknowledged the test ahead: "They've got big bodies that want to bully you... it's a great challenge for us to show up and match that - or be better."
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