Chay Fihaki, a back for the Crusaders, has been added to the All Blacks squad as a replacement due to injuries ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Wellington. This decision follows the news that Jordie Barrett, the All Blacks’ centre and vice-captain, will miss the game because of a knee injury. The All Blacks confirmed that Barrett has sustained damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee, making him unavailable for the match.
Fihaki, who is 23 years old, made his Super Rugby Pacific debut under coach Scott Robertson in 2021 and has demonstrated his versatility by playing on the wing and at fullback. In the 2024 season with the Crusaders, he scored four tries in 14 games. The All Blacks are scheduled to face the Wallabies at 7:05 PM this Saturday at the Sky Sports Stadium in Wellington.