All Blacks get ‘expert’ tackler boost

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All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown is ready to make an early return from a three-game suspension for a dangerous tackle when New Zealand take on Australia in Melbourne on Saturday.

Lienert-Brown was handed a three-week ban for a reckless challenge on Crusaders wing Dallas McLeod in the Super Rugby final.

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However, the Chiefs midfielder is available for selection for the final-round clash with the Wallabies after missing just two Tests, as he completed World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme.

“I’m an expert now,” he told the New Zealand media with a wry smile, following an All Blacks training session on Tuesday.

“I feel like a new man, or at least a new tackler.”

Lienert-Brown has watched from the sidelines as the All Blacks grabbed back-to-back victories over Argentina and the Springboks.

The 28-year-old, who has played 60 Tests for New Zealand, is ready to make his impact felt in a bid to make the final cut for the World Cup.

“I’ve enjoyed watching them,” Lienert-Brown said. “For myself, it’s just about doing all you can. The benefit of not playing is you don’t get any niggles and can have a full week’s training.

“I was feeling pretty good up until I ran into my good mate Dallas’ head. That was a frustrating moment, but before that I felt I had got myself into a good place, and over the last couple of weeks I’ve just been training hard.”

Photo: Michael Bradley / AFP

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