George Bell has been drafted into the All Blacks squad to cover for injured hooker Codie Taylor ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Springboks in Wellington.
The 23-year-old Crusaders rake was called up just hours after helping Canterbury smash Southland 54-14 to reclaim the Ranfurly Shield, scoring one of eight tries in the rout.
Bell’s celebrations were cut short as he was asked to link up with the national squad following Taylor’s concussion setback at Eden Park.
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Taylor, New Zealand’s first-choice hooker, took a knock to the head early in the All Blacks’ 24-17 win over the Boks and has since been ruled out. His absence leaves a hole up front, particularly with Asafo Aumua sidelined again after a series of injuries this season.
The Wellington heavy missed his province’s most recent NPC match due to concussion and has been deemed unavailable by coach Scott Robertson.
Bell, who has three Test caps, was overlooked for the Rugby Championship squad and the July series against France, but his return to fitness came at the perfect time for Robertson.
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Meanwhile, winger Caleb Clarke and loose forward Luke Jacobson have rejoined the squad after NPC cameos, while young scrumhalf Noah Hotham has recovered from an ankle injury, easing New Zealand’s depth concerns in key positions.
Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
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