Triple blow for Maori

Injury has ruled out three New Zealand Maori players for the team’s final match of their European tour against Canada this weekend.

Lock Ross Filipo suffered a calf strain, loose forward Karl Lowe a hamstring strain and wing Kade Poki suffered a severely bruised back.

Maori team doctor Stephen Kara said their injuries would take between two and three weeks to heal, making them unavailable for selection for the final match.

All three players have left the team camp with Poki and Lowe having already returned home.

Head coach Jamie Joseph has opted to not call for a replacement player from New Zealand, believing they have enough cover within the remaining 23 players – all of whom are now expected to be named in the starting line-up and bench for the Canada match.