Ethan de Groot Returns for All Blacks as Australia Eyes Redemption in Bledisloe Clash

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All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot has recovered from a neck injury that prevented him touring South Africa. He joined the squad when it left for Sydney on Sunday, having tested his neck for Southland in its Bunnings NPC game against Canterbury in Invercargill.

De Groot said, "I'm excited to get back into camp with the boys and head over to Sydney. I'm looking forward to it.

"My neck is feeling good. It was good to get a run for Southland on Friday night. It wasn't in my plans to play for Southland this year.

"Normally, it's if you've done something wrong or got an injury, but it was good to get down there, especially for a home game in front of all the Southland fans.

"The strength in my arm has come back really well and I'm ready to hook back into it."

However, tighthead prop Fletcher Newell could not travel as he suffered a calf injury against South Africa in Cape Town. He will be reassessed before the return Test with Australia in Wellington next week. Auckland lock Patrick Tuipulotu has also returned the squad after a brief injury lay-off.


The game is a chance for the Australians to rebound from their humiliating 27-67 loss to Argentina in their last outing.

Coach Joe Schmidt said: "After getting a much-needed win in the first Test, then making a good start in the second Test, we had a very disappointing final 40 minutes in Argentina.

"The Bledisloe Test in Sydney offers a great opportunity to turn that poor finish around."

Flanker Fraser McReight has recovered from the hand injury that prevented him from appearing against the Springboks and Argentina.

Centre Hunter Paisami has recovered from a knee injury suffered against South Africa in their second Test in Perth.

In the front row, Isaac Kailea recovered after returning home early from Argentina as the result of a head knock.

If selected, the Test will be a chance for prop James Slipper to play his 140th Test and become Australia's most capped player ahead of former halfback George Gregan.

The 36-man Australian squad is: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson; Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgenson, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.

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