TEVITA MAFILEO SIDELINED AFTER TRAINING KNOCK; ALL BLACKS CALL-UP REPLACEMENT NOW
All Blacks' final 2025 Test vs Wales sees George Dyer start after Tevita Mafileo's rib injury. Cory Jane praises Dyer's impressive tour. Devan Flanders and Christian Lio-Willie provide cover as the roster adapts for the Cardiff clash.
All Blacks Lose Mafileo To Training Injury - Photo: Photosport
Ahead of the All Blacks' final Test match of 2025 against Wales in Cardiff, there has been some movement in the roster.
Tevita Mafileo, an uncapped prop, will not play in the Cardiff match due to a rib fracture. George Dyer, a notable player for the All Blacks XV, will join the starting lineup as a result of Mafileo's injury.
When asked for a highlight from the 2025 tour last week, defence coach Cory Jane gave the 26-year-old extra kudos for his impressive performances in back-to-back All Blacks XV tours.
"I will simply mention one individual, and this will be a huge success right away. George Dyer is here. On Sport Nation, Jane replied, "He has been wonderful."
He is someone who works hard and wants to learn; judging by the number of questions he asks me about defence and various tackles and positions, it is good to hear that from a front-rower, buddy. We had him last year. He aspires to be good.
"So, he is one man who has really impressed me and been fantastic."
While the recently awarded World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nominee is recuperating from a sickness that prevented him from playing in the England defeat over the weekend, Dyer is joined by versatile forward Devan Flanders, who has entered the All Blacks as cover for Fabian Holland.
Lastly, Christian Lio-Willie will continue to play for the All Blacks as a stand-in for Luke Jacobson (injury) and Samipeni Finau (personal), who both returned home to New Zealand last week.
IT'S DONE: TRENT GRISHAM TAKES YANKEES' $22M OFFER, STUNS MLB WORLD
In a shocking move, Trent Grisham accepts the Yankees' 1-year, $22M qualifying offer after a career-best 34-HR season. This decision impacts NY's offseason flexibility, forcing roster adjustments despite defensive concerns.
rent Grisham Skips Free Agency, Accepts $22M To Stay In New York
By declining the qualifying offer, the New York Yankees hoped Trent Grisham would look for a multi-year contract elsewhere. Instead, he locked himself into a huge paycheck following the best offensive season of his career by shocking many in the league by taking the one-year, $22 million offer for 2026.
An unexpected choice with significant roster ramifications
Most leaguers anticipated that Grisham would try the open market. Teams in need of left-handed power were supposed to set up for him because there is a limited supply of centre fielders. Because of this, it was initially thought that he would turn down the QO and attempt to sign a three- or four-year contract, particularly after hitting 235/.348/.464 with 74 RBIs and 34 home runs throughout the previous season.
Not only were those figures the finest of his career, but they were almost twice as much power as he had ever produced. Grisham suddenly appeared to be a middle-of-the-order weapon, despite coming into the season as more of a defensive specialist with a streaky offensive line.
However, there was always a warning label attached to the negative aspects of that breakthrough season.
Complicating matters is Grisham's decrease in athletic ability.
The Yankees appreciated Grisham's agility and centre field defence for many years. However, in 2025, that aspect of his game quickly declined. He finished close to the bottom of all MLB centre fielders with a record of -2 outs over average and -11 defensive runs saved. He just did not cover ground as much as he used to; his first step was not as forceful, and his range decreased.
Because of this, analysts think he will eventually find a corner outfield position, which makes the $22 million price tag even more unappealing to a team trying to restructure its roster.
This offseason, the Yankees needed flexibility, and Grisham's choice takes a significant portion of that away. They now have a one-year luxury commitment to a player with actual volatility rather than reallocating that money to pitching, another infielder, or a high-end outfield target.
General manager Brian Cashman stated that if Grisham accepted the QO, he would be welcome back despite the disadvantages. The power, the energy, and the times when his bat carried them for extended periods were all adored by the squad. Their success in 2025 was greatly attributed to Grisham, and the Yankees also avoided any long-term danger by signing him to a one-year contract.
They know what they are getting in the near term: a left-handed slugger who can offer pop from the bottom half of the order, work counts, and draw walks. The Yankees gain if his hitting remains scorching. They are free for years if it regresses.
Although Grisham's acceptance restricts the Yankees' ability to be aggressive elsewhere, it does not alter their goals. Cody Bellinger is still wanted. Another outfielder is still needed. They probably need another starter as well as aid with the bullpen. However, they have now secured one of their largest offseason wagers.
Although the Yankees were ready for both possibilities, it is reasonable to question if $22 million would have been better used elsewhere. After a career year, Grisham is perfectly entitled to the guaranteed salary. The Yankees must now adjust their plans for the remainder of the offseason to accommodate that choice.
Can they use less flexibility than anticipated to create the lineup they had in mind? Their strategy for the upcoming months will be determined by that response.
HOPE RETURNS AS AARON BANKS IGNITES PACKERS’ DETERMINED PATH REDEMPTION
Despite a 6-3-1 start, the Packers' offensive line has been a concern. A key positive in their win over the Giants was the standout performance of guard Aaron Banks, who posted his best PFF grades of the season.
Aaron Banks Reenergizes Packers - Journal Sentinel/Imagn Images/File Photo
Although the Green Bay Packers are 6-3-1, a number of problems have surfaced. The Packers' performance over the weekend, particularly that of left guard Aaron Banks, was encouraging, even though some of those problems persisted following Sunday's 27–20 victory over the New York Giants.
Since he has not fulfilled the terms of the four-year, $77 million contract he signed in free agency last spring, Banks has been one of the main causes of annoyance for supporters. However, Sunday gave some hope since, according to Pro Football Focus, he recorded his best overall, run-blocking, and pass-blocking grades for an entire game this season.
Banks' success would be encouraging for the offensive line, which has had its share of problems, and give the Packers some faith that their investment will pay off.
The Packers' offensive line may see significant changes as a result of Aaron Banks' redemption against the Giants.
The Packers will remember Banks' effort against the Giants for a long time. In Week 11, his overall grade of 83.4 was second among qualifying guards, only surpassed by Jacksonville Jaguars player Ezra Cleveland. In addition to finishing second to Cleveland this week with an 82.1 run-blocking grade, he performed admirably in pass protection, giving up two pressures on 30 pass-blocking attempts.
Given that the Giants are ranked 25th with a 17.5% pressure rate by PFF, some of this should be interpreted with caution. However, there are other factors that might have contributed to Banks being his best self.
First of all, since coming to Green Bay, Banks has been battling several injuries, such as neck, back, ankle, and groin problems. He may have lost snaps during training camp and the regular season as a result of having to leave several games early due to his performance being below 100%.
It might also have to do with who was playing next to him. After Banks was signed last spring, Elgton Jenkins went to centre, and the Packers had great expectations for him. However, he never seemed at ease in the role before breaking his lower leg in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Banks played with Sean Rhyan against the Giants, who had a 55.6 overall grade and gave up only one QB pressure in his 30 pass-blocking snaps. Despite his flaws, Ryan might have allowed Banks to perform at his peak, enabling him to put forth the best effort of his Packers career.
Given that the Giants are ranked 25th with a 17.5% pressure rate by PFF, some of this should be interpreted with caution. However, there are other factors that might have contributed to Banks being his best self.
First of all, since coming to Green Bay, Banks has been battling several injuries, such as neck, back, ankle, and groin problems. He may have lost snaps during training camp and the regular season as a result of having to leave several games early due to his performance being below 100%.
It might also have to do with who was playing next to him. After Banks was signed last spring, Elgton Jenkins went to center, and the Packers had great expectations for him. However, he never seemed at ease in the role before breaking his lower leg in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Banks played with Sean Rhyan against the Giants, who had a 55.6 overall grade and gave up only one QB pressure in his 30 pass-blocking snaps. Despite his flaws, Ryan might have allowed Banks to perform at his peak, enabling him to put forth the best effort of his Packers career.