While he awaits the arrival of his child, Wellington’s dynamic number eight Ardie Savea was omitted from a 33-man All Blacks squad to fly to Australia for a Rugby Championship Test on Monday.
Savea will miss the September 15 match in Melbourne, which is also the first Bledisloe Cup Test, to be with his family.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed that the 28-year-old is likely to return for the second Bledisloe Test against Australia on September 24 at Eden Park in Auckland.
Savea scored one of the seven tries scored by the All Blacks as they defeated Argentina 53-3 in Hamilton on Saturday.
The resounding comeback to last week’s shocking loss to the Pumas sent New Zealand to the top of the Rugby Championship standings, one point clear of Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.
Waikato Chiefs loose forward Luke Jacobson was brought in as a replacement for injured Savea and flanker Shannon Frizell, who both sustained rib injuries against Argentina.
Centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and accessories Aidan Ross and Angus Ta’avao were given their freedom.
New Zealand squad to face Australia in Melbourne on September 15:
Forwards: Sam Cane (capt), Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samuel Whitelock, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu
Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Stephen Perofeta, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, and Sevu Reece comprise the backs.
AFP