Head coach Dave Rennie has provided a timeline for Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie’s further involvement in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Fullback McKenzie twisted his ankle in Tuesday’s 54-0 thrashing of the Sharks, and won’t face the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Speaking in a team announcement press conference on Thursday, Rennie said winger Jordan would have played in Durban before a back issue ruled him out.
TEAM: All Blacks skipper returns for Bulls battle
“The original plan was to play him against the Sharks. When he wasn’t good for that, we thought we’d play him and even give him some game time this week, but he’s not quite right,” the coach said.
“But he’s definitely better, so we’re reasonably confident.”
Rennie, though, is confident McKenzie should be available to face the Springboks in the first Test next Saturday.
“Even with Damian injuring an ankle … we’re expecting him to be OK for the Test.
“Most of our 15 cover comes from 10, so that just reaffirmed the importance of bringing someone like Richie in,” Rennie added, referring to Richie Mo’unga’s call-up on Thursday.
MORE: Rennie reveals Richie return plan
Codie Taylor returns from a calf injury to lead the side against the Bulls, with the tour skipper having missed the first two matches.
“It’s obviously a pretty cool moment for Codie. He’s worked really hard and we’re stoked for him. He’s such a good man,” Rennie said.
The Kiwi made wholesale changes to his starting XV and on his selections, Rennie explained: “It’s just a handful [of changes from what was originally planned], based on niggles and injuries.
“Obviously, with Cam Roigard, the plan was just to give him maybe 30 minutes off the bench and then he just pulled up a little lame.
“We’re pretty confident he’ll be right for the first Test and he’s played a lot of rugby this year.
TEAM: Bulls get Bok boost for All Blacks clash
“We’ve got a number of guys who played on Tuesday who, as you’ve seen, have been strong contenders for a Test team, but there’s also a number in here. We think it’s a good group and an opportunity.”
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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Head coach Dave Rennie has provided a timeline for Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie’s further involvement in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
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