The All Blacks have been dealt another selection blow on their Greatest Rivalry tour, with first-choice scrum-half Cam Roigard withdrawn from the matchday 23 to face the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday night.

Roigard, who was named amongst the replacements for the Kings Park encounter, has been pulled from the squad with Cortez Ratima stepping up to cover the nine jersey from the bench. Ratima, who started in Friday night’s Cape Town clash against the Stormers, now finds himself back in the frame as New Zealand’s injury crisis deepens.

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The withdrawal adds to a growing casualty list that’s testing the All Blacks’ depth on South African soil. Billy Proctor has already been sent home after sustaining a shoulder injury against the Stormers, whilst George Bell was forced off tour last week. First-choice hooker Codie Taylor hasn’t pulled on the black jersey once on tour, leaving the coaching staff scrambling to manage their resources.

Despite the setbacks, head coach has named a powerful side to take on the Durban faithful, with skipper Luke Jacobson leading from the openside flanker position. Damian McKenzie anchors the backline at fullback, whilst the dynamic Wallace Sititi gets another crack at number eight.

Revised All Blacks XV to face the Sharks:

Starting XV: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Kyle Preston, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa