All Blacks Face Setback as Key Players Ruled Out

Tuipulotu and Lienert-Brown Out of Second Test

All Blacks' Rugby Championship campaign, with Patrick Tuipulotu and Anton Lienert-Brown ruled out due to head injuries.

New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu and centre Anton Lienert-Brown won't be part of the second test against Argentina due to head injuries sustained in the opening match. Tuipulotu was hospitalized after failing a head impact assessment following the All Blacks' 41-24 win in Cordoba last Saturday. Lienert-Brown, on the other hand, received a yellow card for a late head-on-head clash with Santiago Chocobares.

Tuipulotu's absence might be lengthy, as he's expected to undergo surgery and face a six-week recovery period, potentially ruling him out of the Rugby Championship. Coach Scott Robertson confirmed the news, expressing disappointment for both players. Lienert-Brown's injury status for future matches remains uncertain, but he should be available for the All Blacks' match against South Africa on September 6.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has named a 36-man squad for the Rugby Championship, with Josh Lord and Timoci Tavatavanawai providing cover in the lock and midfield positions, respectively. Lord, who can play lock, and Tavatavanawai, a former Fiji under-20 player with midfield experience, offer depth to the squad. Robertson expressed excitement about the opportunities for new players, saying, “These players have earned the opportunity through consistent performance, and we know that they will take this chance.”

Returning Players

Wallace Sititi: The loose forward is expected to be available for selection for Saturday's second test in Buenos Aires after missing the Cordoba opener and the entire France series due to leg injuries. Robertson noted that Sititi and prop Tamaiti Williams would be managed in terms of playing time.

Tamaiti Williams: The prop is also set to return to action, with George Bower serving as injury cover. Williams' return will provide additional depth to the squad.

Squad Depth

The All Blacks squad includes four potential debutants, with Simon Parker, Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston, and Leroy Carter bringing valuable skills and physicality. Robertson highlighted Parker's ability to play blindside or No. 8, gained from his experience in New Zealand representative teams.

The All Blacks' horror injury run continues.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will miss the next six weeks with a facial fracture, while centre Anton Lienert-Brown is also on his way home from Argentina after suffering a concussion in the first Test with Los Pumas. pic.twitter.com/xywnh0y3ry

— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) August 19, 2025

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has emphasized the need for depth in his squad, given the demanding schedule ahead. With a few big tests in a row and a month-long break from playing, Robertson believes changes are necessary to ensure the team's success. “We have got, obviously, a few big tests in a row and we haven't played for a month,” Robertson said, highlighting the challenges ahead.

The squad includes some fresh faces, such as halfback Kyle Preston and flanker Simon Parker, who bring new energy and skills to the team. Robertson's strategy focuses on building versatility, with players capable of covering multiple positions.

Key Objectives:

Building Depth: Robertson aims to create a robust squad that can handle the physical demands of consecutive matches.

Versatility: The coach emphasizes the importance of players who can adapt to different roles, ensuring flexibility in team selection.

Performance: With a busy schedule ahead, the All Blacks will need to maintain their form and intensity to achieve succes.

“Some guys need football and they need to play together to get high cohesion ... And you need to give guys opportunities to build depth for now and this rugby cycle.”