New Zealand’s already “dented” forward pack has copped another hit with experienced prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi ruled out of the daunting tour of South Africa.
The 30-year-old injured his neck in the third Test loss to Ireland and has not recovered in time for the Rugby Championship opener in Mbombela on August 7 (AEST) or the second clash in Johannesburg a week later.
Tu’ungafasi joins Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala and Jack Goodhue on the injured list and uncapped Crusaders prop Fletcher Newell will tour instead.
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The latest setback came as Jason Ryan started work as the new All Blacks forwards coach in Wellington.
Ryan, the former Crusaders assistant, has replaced the sacked John Plumtree.
“There’s no hiding from it. The All Blacks pack has been dented,” Ryan told reporters.
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“It really has been. We talked about it in the forwards meeting today. We were really, really honest. We have to be. And we have to get on with it…
“We have done a lot of work around our mauling stuff, obviously, and we have done a bit on our contact area there.
“Just getting to really understand what they are trying to achieve and what they are really trying to believe in, has been the big one.”
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Under-fire head coach Ian Foster has taken more control of the backline after Brad Mooar was also shown the door.
All Blacks five-eighth Richie Mo’unga said that was a positive step.
“Fozzie is the man for the job,” Mo’unga said.
“I 100 per cent back Fozzie, because of his coaching ability. I think now he’ll have a more hands on role with the backs and with attack.
“I’ve had a taste early on (of that role) in my All Blacks career, and was able to gain so much knowledge.
“It’s good to see that happen again in the last couple of days and the direction that things are going is really exciting.”
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