New Zealand’s World Cup campaign is in crisis today after star forward Jason Taumalolo turned his back on the nation over the decision to stand down Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor.
Kiwis coach David Kidwell will not pick the pair over a cocaine bust which followed their mid-season test against the Kangaroos in May.
Unhappy with how the situation was handled, Taumalolo will instead represent Tonga at the World Cup.
The Kiwis are due to announce their squad for the tournament tomorrow and reports suggest that Issac Luke will not be included.
Kieran Foran and Tohu Harris are known absentees too, leaving Kidwell with a seriously weakened squad ahead of the sport’s biggest international event.
Australia revealed a strong 24-man squad on Monday and with England able to boast their strongest team in years, the Kiwis World Cup hopes look in tatters already.