Wallabies Captain James Horwill does not believe the late withdrawals of Richie McCaw and Cory Jane have increased the odds of a Wallaby upset in Dunedin tonight.
Although All Blacks skipper McCaw and wing Jane have been stood down from the test because of calf and hamstring injuries respectively, Australian skipper and lock Horwill wore a deadpan expression when quizzed on the news.
On McCaw’s withdrawal, Horwill said obviously anyone who has played 120 tests leaves a big hole to fill, but Sam Cane is an excellent player and has been playing well.
Horwill said he does not feel it’s too much of a shock or makes too much of a difference to them and that the All Blacks are quite used to it from this year anyway.
There have been suggestions that the Wallabies will welcome the absence of McCaw because he will not be able to win any favours from the referee at the breakdowns.
Horwill was having none of that.
South African Craig Joubert will control the test.
Meanwhile, Charles Piutau, who was not even listed on the bench for this match, has been rushed into the starting side in place of Jane.
No 8 Kieran Read has replaced McCaw as skipper.
The All Blacks will host the Wallabies at 6.35pm today.
Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa
[Source: Stuff.co]
