Top All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard has withdrawn from the team’s match against the Sharks in Durban due to a tight calf muscle, with the squad’s medical staff managing multiple injury concerns ahead of the upcoming four-Test series against the Springboks.
Cam Roigard Withdrawn as Precautionary Measure in Durban
The All Blacks made a late lineup adjustment ahead of their midweek clash at Kings Park Stadium after top halfback Cam Roigard pulled out of the team due to a tight calf muscle. The squad confirmed the withdrawal was a precautionary measure designed to give the muscle time to settle before more demanding fixtures.
Roigard had originally been named on the reserves bench for the encounter. Following the late change, Cortez Ratima will replace Roigard in the matchday 23, while Kyle Preston retains the starting scrumhalf duties for the second game of the tour on the South African tour. Roigard is expected to be fully fit in time to start the opening Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on August 23.
Mounting Medical Workload and Squad Adjustments
The late scratch adds to a mounting medical workload for the touring squad’s support staff. Head coach Dave Rennie previously revealed that right wing Will Jordan is managing a back problem that kept him out of the Sharks fixture. Rennie expects Jordan to return to action for Sunday’s match against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Other players have already begun their journey home. Midfielder Billy Proctor, who sustained a shoulder fracture, and hooker George Bell, sidelined with a calf strain, are preparing to travel back to New Zealand. Bell has already been replaced in the squad by Bradley Slater, who is positioned to make his first appearance for the national team.
Luke Jacobson Steps Up to Captain the Side
Amid the reshuffled lineup and difficult weather conditions in Durban—where heavy rain has caused local flooding during the build-up—loose forward Luke Jacobson prepares to lead the All Blacks for the first time in his career. Addressing the adverse weather, Jacobson made clear that the squad intends to maintain its tactical approach regardless of the pitch conditions.
“We’re professional athletes, this is what we train for. We back ourselves to perform in any conditions.”
Luke Jacobson, All Blacks captain
Reflecting on the unexpected elevation to the captaincy, Jacobson admitted he received no advance warning while the leadership group finalized the team sheet in the huddle.
Ardie Savea Rejoins Squad After Conditioning Block
While injuries and travel arrangements disrupt the touring group, reinforcement is on the way. Skipper Ardie Savea is set to depart for South Africa today after spending the past two weeks in Wellington resting and conditioning following a heavy playing workload.
Savea documented his training sessions around the capital on social media alongside former All Blacks loose forward Victor Vito. Reflecting on the support system that helped him through the grueling physical reset, Savea offered a direct assessment of his readiness.
“It takes a village, eh?”
Ardie Savea, All Blacks captain
“Now it’s up to me to back it up.”
Ardie Savea, All Blacks captain
Kings Park Stadium Lineups and Betting Markets
The midweek fixture at Kings Park Stadium in Durban features distinct starting XVs as both sides manage squad depth ahead of upcoming competition blocks.
| Team | Starting XV | Key Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| All Blacks | Damian McKenzie, Fehi Fineanganofo, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Ruben Love, Kyle Preston, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (c), Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Fletcher Newell, Asafo Aumua, Ethan de Groot | Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Ethan Blackadder, Semisi Ta’eiloa, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa |
| Sharks | Zekhethelo Siyaya, Donovan Don, Jurenzo Julius, Murray Koster, Litelihle Bester, Vusi Moyo, Bradley Davids, Nick Hatton (c), Emmanuel Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emile van Heerden, Hendre Stassen, Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart, Nemo Roelofse | Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubekha, Simphiwe Ngobese, Vincent Tshituka, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Luan Giliomee, Ma’a Nonu |
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