Isaiah Walker-Leawere called into All Blacks squad

Hurricanes second-rower and former Flying Fijians lock Kele Leawere’s son Isaiah Walker-Leawere has joined the All Blacks in Auckland as the team deals with the absences of captain Scott Barrett and veteran Patrick Tuipulotu.

Barrett underwent a surgical operation upon return to New Zealand after sustaining a finger injury against Fiji and is expected to be sidelined for the opening two rounds of The Rugby Championship.

Tuipulotu’s timeline is unclear but it is understood a calf injury is the latest issue the Blues captain has been dealing with, having recovered from an MCL surgery.

Walker-Leawere’s inclusion rewards one of New Zealand’s form locks in 2024, with the 27-year-old a powerful force in the Hurricanes’ impressive forward pack throughout their table-topping season.

The lock also impressed during the Maori All Blacks’ recent Test series against the Japan XV.

Walker-Leawere will be hoping to make his international debut this Saturday when they take on Argentina in the second round of the competition.

The All Blacks will play Argentina at 7.05pm at Eden Park in Auckland.

Meanwhile, the Wallabies will host the Springboks at 9.45pm this Saturday in Perth.

Source: RugbyPass