Josh Lord saw his return to the field as a win after playing 55 minutes against Western Force without any injury. The Waikato Chiefs lock, who has struggled with many injuries, is working hard to get back into the All Blacks team.
Since his 2021 debut for New Zealand under former coach Ian Foster, the talented 24-year-old has faced several injury setbacks, especially with his knees, which have slowed his progress. His latest problem was a torn meniscus after a game against the ACT Brumbies, but thankfully it didn’t need surgery.
Even though these injuries have been tough for Lord and disappointing for the Chiefs and fans, he is staying strong.
“You have to stay positive and not think about it too much,” he told the New Zealand Herald. “After being injured a few times, you learn to stay upbeat because there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. I was lucky to play last weekend.”
Having Lord back fit is great news for coach Clayton McMillan’s Chiefs, who are at the top of the table as they prepare to face the Wellington Hurricanes, with five rounds left before the playoffs.
The Chiefs are tied on points with the second-placed Canterbury Crusaders and hope to win big to keep their lead.
Lord also hopes to catch the eye of the All Blacks selectors again as they get ready for the July tests against France. Last year, he came off the bench three times during coach Scott Robertson’s first season in charge.
He said, “I think everyone keeps the hope of playing for the national team in their mind, right? For me, right now, it’s about staying fit, getting back on the field, and playing well for the Chiefs. If I can do that, I’ll be in a good position for future national selection. But for now, I’m just focusing on each week as it comes.”
