Bell Out, Slater In for All Blacks | Auckland News

All Blacks tour hit a curveball as hooker George Bell, the fourth-choice player, is sidelined with a calf strain and sent home — but don’t worry, Bradley Slater’s on his way to step in. Slater, a 27-year-old with All Blacks XV experience and a rugby royalty pedigree (dad and uncle both legends), arrives within 24 hours. Coach Dave Rennie expressed sadness for Bell, who’s battled injuries lately and earned just four caps, while Slater brings depth and readiness for the opener against the Stormers this weekend. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/cb669dca8b79a427