Sotutu likely to wear All Blacks No.8 jersey next Saturday

With All Blacks coach Ian Foster confirming that Ardie Savea will miss next Saturday's Tri-Nations opener against the Wallabies, Blues No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu is expected to fill the vacant position.

Both Savea and prop Nepo Laulala will not feature in the Tri-Nations opener next Saturday as they are on paternity leave.

Foster says Sotutu has been doing great in the task they have given him on the field but he needs to talk to the rest of the coaching staff to determine whether they will keep him in that role or they need to change a few things around.

Also in the mix of donning the No.8 jersey are Akira Ioane and Cullen Grace.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane is backing Sotutu to fill the void.

Cane says Sotutu has been fantastic and he enjoys getting to know the 22-year-old.

The All Blacks will meet the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations opener and third Bledisloe Cup Test at 8.45pm Saturday at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

[Source: Newshub]