Ryan Crotty and Rieko Ioane both out as All Blacks look to seal deal in Auckland

The All Blacks will have to come up with a new starting wing and second five‑eighths for next Saturday's second Bledisloe at Eden Park when they will look to put their other hand on that big trophy and lock it away for another year.

Coach Steve Hansen confirmed in the wake of last night’s 38‑13 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney, both star left wing Rieko Ioane and midfielder Ryan Crotty were out of contention for Bledisloe II.

Crotty was "knocked out" in a head clash with midfield mate Jack Goodhue early in the match and definitely won't play in Auckland; while Ioane strained his hamstring in the breakout that led to Goodhue's try and also looks a certain defection.

Anton Lienert‑Brown, who played so well in Crotty's stead after coming on in just the 12 minute, looks the likely replacement second five‑eighths starter; though Hansen conceded they would also weigh Ngani Laumape's case before making a final decision.

Meanwhile in another match last night, South Africa defeated Argentina 34-21.

In the second round of the Rugby Championship the Wallabies will take on the All Blacks at 7.35pm next Saturday in Auckland while Argentina will host South Africa at 7.10pm next Sunday.

[Source: Stuff]

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