All Blacks forced to tweak squad for Grand Slam tour after injury blow

SQUAD UPDATE: All Black head coach Scott Robertson has been forced to tweak his squad for their upcoming Grand Slam tour.

Patrick Tuipulotu has been ruled out of matches against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales with a shoulder injury.

Sam Darry will now join the squad when it assembles next week.

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Tuipulotu has been assessed as needing surgery for an existing shoulder injury that had deteriorated since the Rugby Championship.

He is expected to be sidelined for approximately six months.

Darry’s was set to be part of the All Blacks XV squad for matches against the Barbarians and England A, and a third match against Uruguay.

All Blacks updated squad:

Forwards: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tevita Mafileo, Scott Barrett (captain), Sam Darry, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson.

Backs: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan, Ruben Love.