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Hurricanes and Manawatū Ngani Laumape’s wrecking ball is officially back in the All Blacks’ fold.
The All Blacks announced Tuesday that Laumape replaced Crusaders midfielder Braydon Ennor on their Rugby Championship squad, while Peter Umaga-Jensen has also been called up as a cover.
Laumape has not played since breaking his arm in the Hurricanes’ win over the Crusaders in Christchurch in late July, and he will not be in consideration for the Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Wellington on Sunday.
William Booth / Getty Images
Ngani Laumape runs the water during the 10 Miter Cup match between Manawatū and Otago last month.
However, his return to the team indicates that he has recovered enough to replace Ennor for the remainder of the year, and he is likely to push hard for a starting spot when the All Blacks travel to Australia for the Rugby Championship.
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* Super Rugby Aotearoa: the price it cost New Zealand’s best players
Laumape was in terrifying shape prior to his injury, forming a potent midfield combination with Umaga-Jensen, and will give the All Blacks a different option at No. 12 with his pace and power.
Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane are the midfield options for the opening test against the Wallabies.
The unfortunate Ennor suffered a knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament) during the North-South match and faces a long period on the sidelines.
Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Peter Umaga-Jensen carried the ball against the Bay of Plenty last month.
The injury coverage call for Umaga-Jensen is a reward for a breakthrough season with the Hurricanes, and potentially gives the All Blacks another sizable midfield option on the track.
The Wellington back of over 100kg was a dominant force during Super Rugby Aotearoa, and impressed with his running lines and distribution.
The All Blacks named their first test team of the year on Friday morning.
