Rennie expects Roigard and Jordan to return for Springboks Test

New Zealand have one week before the first Test against South Africa, and coach Dave Rennie expects Cam Roigard and Will Jordan to be available for the meeting with the Springboks. Both players have returned to training after missing the entire tour so far because of injuries suffered before the squad left for South Africa.

Rennie wants the pair to complete a full week of work before the Test. Their return would strengthen an All Blacks squad that has had to manage several fitness concerns during its warm-up matches against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.

Damian McKenzie is also recovering from an injury, but his position is less certain. Rennie remains hopeful that the utility back can play, although he is not as confident about McKenzie as he is about Roigard and Jordan. New Zealand are still working on the expectation that all three could be available.

The All Blacks have already lost Caleb Clarke, Billy Proctor and George Bell, who were sent home during the tour. The injury disruption has also contributed to heavy rotation in the side, with Rennie making clear that the team used against the Bulls was not the likely Test XV.

New Zealand’s recent form has nevertheless improved. After a difficult outing against the Stormers, they recorded substantial victories over the Sharks and Bulls, including a performance in which they scored 50 points against a strong Bulls side. Rennie viewed that display as encouraging, while recognising that the Springboks will provide a far tougher challenge.

The expected return of Roigard and Jordan gives New Zealand more selection options as the Test approaches, but both players must first complete the required training week. McKenzie’s availability remains the main uncertainty among the three injured players.