Three changes All Blacks should make against Wales after injury blows

The All Blacks beat Scotland 43-21 at Murrayfield, but Dave Rennie now has two fresh injury concerns ahead of next weekend's clash with Wales.

New Zealand scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to seal another Nations Championship victory.

But the win came at a cost.

Jordie Barrett failed a head injury assessment, while Will Jordan picked up a hamstring injury.

With England waiting at Twickenham the following weekend, Rennie has some big decisions to make.

Two changes could be forced upon him, while another player deserves a chance after impressing against Scotland.

Here are three changes we'd make against Wales.

Codie Taylor did little wrong against Scotland. The veteran hooker scored a try, led from the front and delivered another impressive performance.

But Asafo Aumua deserves his chance.

The powerful replacement made an excellent impact after entering the action at Murrayfield.

New Zealand's scrum remained solid, while Aumua strolled over for a try after collecting a lovely short ball from Peter Lakai.

It was one of the standout moments from an impressive second-half display, with Aumua earning plenty of praise in our All Blacks player ratings.

Taylor remains a hugely important figure, particularly with England looming.

However, giving Aumua the number two jersey against Wales would reward his performance while allowing the captain to recharge.

Sometimes selection is about rewarding the man knocking on the door, rather than punishing the player already inside.

Will Jordan's afternoon against Scotland ended with an injury scare.

The prolific winger was replaced early in the second half, with Rennie subsequently confirming he had tweaked his hamstring.

Speaking after the match, Rennie told RugbyPass that the extent of the damage was still unclear.

Jordan has scored six tries in the opening three rounds of the Nations Championship and remains one of New Zealand's biggest attacking weapons.

But with England waiting at Twickenham, taking chances with his fitness would make little sense.

Rieko Ioane could be handed an opportunity on the wing, a position where he has plenty of international experience.

The 91-cap veteran offers pace, experience and another attacking option.

Jordan has nothing left to prove. Even if the injury turns out to be minor, keeping him fresh for England would be the sensible call.

The last thing Rennie needs is to turn a small problem into a much bigger one.

Jordie Barrett was one of New Zealand's best performers against Scotland before his afternoon came to a painful end.

The 29-year-old was forced off following a collision with Blair Kinghorn and subsequently failed his head injury assessment.

Rennie confirmed the setback after the match but admitted he was unsure whether Barrett would be available against Wales.

The centre must now complete the appropriate concussion protocols before he can return.

That could open the door for Timoci Tavatavanawai.

The powerful midfielder was named among the replacements against Scotland and offers Rennie another option in the centres.

He may not bring the same playmaking ability as Barrett, but his physicality could cause Wales plenty of problems.

With Quinn Tupaea already established in the starting side, Tavatavanawai deserves consideration for a starting opportunity.

There is no point rushing Barrett back, particularly with England looming.

And with Jordan also facing a fitness battle, Rennie could be forced into a significant backline reshuffle.

One more change worth considering

Cam Roigard could also benefit from a breather after another demanding afternoon at Murrayfield.

The scrum-half has carried a heavy workload and wasn't quite at his sharpest against Scotland.

Cortez Ratima looked lively when introduced and could be handed the starting jersey against Wales.

That would give Roigard a chance to recharge before the showdown at Twickenham.

You may like