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Joe Allison / Getty Images
Josh Ioane runs into the Manukau County defense in Dunedin on Sunday.
All Black Josh Ioane and Highlanders fullback Vilimoni Koroi have been fired from Otago’s side to face Northland in Dunedin on Friday for disciplinary reasons.
A spokeswoman for Otago confirmed to Stuff on Thursday that Ioane and Koroi had “violated team protocol after last weekend’s game and as a consequence are not available for the national team this week,” a massive blow to the side as they pursue promotion to the Premiership of the Miter Cup 10.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Josh Ioane trained with the All Blacks early last week.
Stuff understands that the infraction involved alcohol and that both players showed up for training in unacceptable condition, leaving coach Tom Donnelly with no choice but to omit them from Northland’s game.
The suspensions have forced Otago to undergo a major baseline shakeup for the decisive game against Taniwha, because Ioane and Koroi were the No. 10 first choice and reserve, respectively.
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Seasoned activist Jono Hickey, who is normally a running back, received the number 10 jersey, with rookie Harrison Boyle covering from the bench.
Ioane, 25, and Koroi, 22, have been in good shape for Otago this season, with Ioane pulling the strings very well at No. 10 and Koroi showing off some strong touches of fullback attack.
Ioane missed the All Blacks team for the upcoming Tri Nations, but is widely regarded as the number 10 third-choice in the country and is likely to be called up by coach Ian Foster if Richie Mo’unga or Beauden Barrett are injured. in Australia.
Joe Allison / Getty Images
Vilimoni Koroi makes a break against Counties Manukau at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Sunday.
The Auckland-born midfielder missed most of Super Rugby Aotearoa with a groin injury, but was in excellent shape by the end of the competition.
He also played well in the North-South game in September, coming off the bench to set up the winning try for Will Jordan, and had been at the All Blacks camp early last week as they prepared for the second Bledisloe test. against the Wallabies.
Koroi made his debut for the Highlanders against the Chiefs in the first round of Super Rugby Aotearoa and is seen as a potential star of the future, having made a name for himself for the first time in sevens.
However, despite its importance, Otago could not afford to hit either player with a feather duster after the indiscretion.
Joe Allison / Getty Images
Otago coach Tom Donnelly, left, has taken quick action against his two stars.
Otago faced a tight turnaround between the win against Counties Manukau last Sunday and the clash against Northland on Friday, and veteran players like Ioane were expected to prepare.
Otago is currently at the top of the Miter 10 Championship ladder with Hawke’s Bay, but is just two competition points ahead of Northland.
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It is not known if Ioane and Koroi will be withdrawn for more than one game, but Otago has tough away games against Canterbury and Southland on the horizon.
Last month, Otago midfielder Aleki Morris-Lome was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after an alleged incident in downtown Dunedin in late August.
Otago: Michael Collins, Freedom Vahaakolo, Josh Timu, Matt Whaanga, Jona Nareki, Jono Hickey, Kayne Hammington, Sione Misiloi, Dylan Nel, Charles Elton, Josh Dickson, Jack Regan, Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Jamie Mackintosh.
Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Jonah Aoina, Hisa Sasagi, Will Tucker, Nasi Manu, James Arscott, Harrison Boyle, Giovanni Leituala.
