The All Blacks. Remember them? The Rugby World Cup's discounted three-time champions, who suffered their first ever pool loss then their first ever tournament red card? Those guys.
The Rugby World Cup's discounted three-time champions, who suffered their first ever pool loss then their first ever tournament red card?In the two weeks since New Zealand's last game, Ireland has underlined its top dog status thanks to a South Africa goalkicking malfunction, France captain Antoine Dupont had his face broken, and Australia copped historic defeats to Fiji and Wales and looks set not to make the quarterfinals for the first time.
Only prop Ethan de Groot, suspended for his red card against Namibia, was unavailable for selection after a timely bye week in Bordeaux cleared up the All Blacks' injury list. Squad captain Sam Cane and Tyrel Lomax will complete their rehabs from respective back and thigh injuries with minutes off the bench.
New Zealand used the bye week not just to heal but also to up the intensity in training, which led to some tempers flaring among the forwards, where the All Blacks have been punished by opponents and referees recently.