All Blacks call up replacement after star ruled out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Ethan Blackadder is joining the All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad in France as a replacement player for Emoni Narawa.

The Tasman loose forward flies out of New Zealand on Sunday and will join the team in Lyon before the All Blacks’ next match against Namibia in Toulouse.

Blackadder was called into the Tasman provincial team in 2016 after a stellar club season. He became a regular starter for Tasman in 2017 as they made their way to the Premiership Final and in 2019, Blackadder helped the side secure its first provincial title.

With the ability to play both lock and in the loose forwards, the versatile player made his Crusaders debut in 2018 and quickly became a key member of the side.

After an outstanding 2021 Super Rugby season Blackadder was named in the All Blacks squad to play Tonga and Fiji in the July Steinlager Series.

He made his debut against Tonga at Mount Smart Stadium, coming off the bench in a 102–0 win for the All Blacks – becoming All Black number 1195.

Dan Carters dream all-time XV is almost unbeatable

Throughout his 18-year professional career, which started in New Zealand and ended in Japan, Carter played with and against some of the greatest players ever.

Here is the full team he selected:

BACK-THREE:

• 15. Ben Smith (New Zealand)
• 14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
• 11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Carter on Lomu: ““He was the toughest player. I played against him once, I was 19-year-old and tried to tackle him, kinda woke up five metres back. He changed the game of rugby.”

---

CENTRES:

• 13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
• 12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)

Carter on O’Driscoll: “Two giants of the game that have worn the green jersey were Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll. Their work rate and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was exemplary.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

---