The Junior All Blacks have suffered a huge blow to its preparations for the final game against Tonga this Thursday with Captain Tamati Ellison out injured.

The utility back suffered a knock on his knee after the JAB’s win over Japan last week.

“It’s really sad. He wanted to play throughout this tournament. It breaks his heart because we have only just one game left,” said team manager Greg O’Brien.

The injury has not stopped Ellison from joining the team during training, settling as a water boy and assisting whenever he can with the management team.

Towering lock Tom Donnelly replaces Ellison as captain against Tonga.

“Training has been pretty intense these last couple of days. The guys have been very committed and we applaud them for their dedication to the job at hand,” O’Brien said.

The JAB may have the PNC title already in the bag but the side wants to end its campaign on a high note.

“We started training on Thursday last week and it’s been non-stop for us. This is the cream to our campaign so we just want to go all out,” said O’Brien.

The game between the Junior All Blacks and Tonga kicks off at 3:10pm at the TFL Stadium.

Fijilive

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