The hits keep coming for the All Blacks ahead of Saturday’s series opening Test against Ireland at Eden Park.
Outside back Will Jordan has been ruled out of the match after contracting COVID-19, joining fellow Crusaders David Havili and Jack Goodhue on the sidelines.
News Jordan had the virus comes a day after it was confirmed Havili and Goodhue, along with head coach Ian Foster, and assistants John Plumtree and Scott McLeod, had been struck down.
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Pivot Richie Mo’unga also missed training on Tuesday with a stomach bug, but he has not tested positive to COVID-19 and is expected to rejoin the team later this week.
The timing around the symptoms and results for Foster and Plumtree is not known, but it’s understood they and McLeod, who tested positive around noon on Monday, will be out for Saturday’s Eden Park opener.
As a result of the disruptions, Foster confirmed he had decided to call in selector-to-be Joe Schmidt, the former Ireland head coach, to boost the All Blacks’ resources this week.
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Jordan was one of three players remaining in the squad not to have caught COVID-19. Extra precautions are being taken with the remaining two.
A few months after most Super Rugby teams were hit heavily by COVID-19, there is also the very real threat of players contracting the virus a second time.
Fresh from scoring 10 tries and leading all players for metres gained during the Crusaders’ victorious Super Rugby campaign, Jordan was expected to start in the No.14 jersey on Saturday.
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However, his unavailability opens the door for fellow Crusader Sevu Reece, who also touched down 10 tries for the red and blacks this season, and was the form right wing in the competition.
The All Blacks formed in full in Auckland last Tuesday, and were in camp in Northland late last week.
With Foster, Plumtree and McLeod all out for the week, the All Blacks will be in the hands of remaining coaches Greg Feek and Brad Mooar, who will now have Schmidt to help their preparations for the test.
Foster said he was confident in the team’s ability to carry on preparing for the first Test without the absences causing too much duress.
“It’s a great opportunity for the wider coaching group and the senior players, who will be highly motivated to step up,” he said.
“We have learned how to cope with the unexpected, like everyone has over the past couple of years. I will still be working alongside the coaches and team via Zoom and I have huge faith in the coaching group and the players.”
The All Blacks will name their first team of the season on Thursday.
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