Hannah Peters / Getty Images
Sam Cane runs through practices at an All Blacks training session.
- Will Jordan became the latest All Blacks player to test positive for Covid
- He joins David Havili and Jack Goodhue on the sidelines due to the virus
- Coach Ian Foster and assistants John Plumtree and Scott McLeod also have Covid
- Richie Mo’unga did not exercise on Tuesday due to stomach pain
- Captain Sam Cane welcomed Joe Schmidt’s arrival to assist the coaches
All Blacks captain Sam Cane has thanked loser Will Jordan for the third Test of the July series against Ireland, after the exciting wing / fullback became the youngest New Zealand player to be flattened with Covid.
But Cane, who spoke to the media after Tuesday’s training session in suburban Auckland, said he was confident that the ongoing disruption caused by the virus would not upset the All Blacks as they prepared for more. a fierce test in the hands of the Irish who have beaten them in three of their last five games.
Jordan’s positive Test on Tuesday definitely leaves him out of the first Test against Ireland at a sold-out Eden Park on Saturday and puts him in great doubt for the second Test, a week later in Dunedin. The third Test is on Saturday 16 July in Wellington.
All Blacks
All Blacks assistant coach Brad Mooar says a plan is in place despite three senior coaches getting Covid.
Jordan joins fellow Crusaders David Havili and Jack Goodhue on the sidelines, while Richie Mo’unga threw another scare into the camp for failing to train with a stomach ache on Tuesday. But he did not test positive for Covid-19 and is expected to rejoin the team later this week. Head coach Ian Foster and assistants John Plumtree and Scott McLeod are also on the sidelines with Covid – though there is a chance the former duo could be released to join the team on Saturday, depending on timelines.
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Cane said he has not spoken to Jordan since his positive Test, but felt for all the players excluded this week.
“It’s terrible timing for everyone who got Covid. But there’s a lot of depth and competition for places, I do not know if Will would start or not, but I would say he was a pretty good chance.
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
Will Jordan runs through practice on Saturday during an All Blacks training session in Kerikeri.
“It just means someone else will perform in his place and that’s another opportunity for someone. Hopefully Covid does not beat him too much and realistically he is probably just a chance for the third Test now.”
The captain said the team had come together well despite the disruptions, while also welcoming the immediate impact of former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt on training – even though he had rather swallowed suggestions from the northern media that his presence New Zealanders would offer a key. advantage.
“The team was really impressive. Maybe it’s because we are so used to it throughout Superrugby, ”said Cane. “We just rolled with the fists. Of course, this is not ideal, but in terms of disruption, surprisingly, there has not been too much at all.
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The virus has had a huge impact on who will be in the coaching staff, with head coach Ian Foster among those catching Covid.
“The coaches are performing, and we now have a very experienced leadership group – one that I trust a lot. We have guys in the forward pack, like Brodie [Retallick] and Sam Whitelock takes control of things there, and Beaudy (Beauden Barrett) runs a pretty good cutter from behind, so the guys are just performing and it was a good first few days.
“How happy we are to call on someone like Joe Schmidt. He was fantastic.”
Head coach Foster called Schmidt, who will step in to replace Grant Fox as a selector for the Rugby Championship, to assist the remaining coaches, led by Greg Feek and Brad Mooar, this week.
“He only came in this morning (Tuesday) and will only be on Tuesday and Thursday to help at the training park,” Cane said after an energetic session that had to be moved from his original Mount Smart venue due to a nearby fire. “He mainly helps with defense, but it’s nice to have some wise eyes looking over things.”
Asked if he was familiar with those supposed insights Schmidt would offer on the Ireland team, Cane replied: “Not that I know of.
“He mainly helped the backs … I have not actually worked with him at the training park yet. We have our structures so [defence coach] Scott McLeod drafted. I can not think Joe is going to come in and change anything about it.
“He is about lending a few more eyes, saving and being able to coach at practices and give immediate feedback to players. Nothing new. ”
Cane confirmed there was daily contact with Foster and Plumtree, but added their involvement is kept to a minimum so those who are truly on the ground can lead the week.
“The coaches (Foster and Plumtree) will zoom in, but will have no input. [in discussions]. They are there to keep an eye on things, but it’s hard to get a feel and coach when you are not in the room itself. We all agree that it is best to allow people who are here to steer the ship. ”
The All Blacks will desperately hope that the number of fit and available types will no longer shrink between now and Saturday. They will field their team for the opening test on Thursday.