More injury woes for All Blacks

INJURY UPDATE: Injured lock Sam Darry’s northern tour is over having being ruled out on Saturday, with centurion Sam Cane in doubt for the All Blacks’ next Test against France.

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson confirmed a squad replacement would be sought for Darry, who donned the black jersey on six occasions in his debut season.

The 24-year-old Blues lock was unavailable for New Zealand’s 23-13 win over Ireland in Dublin on Friday after suffering an injury during the build-up.

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Former captain Cane, left the game in the closing minutes after suffering a head blow that required stitches and could rule him out of the Test against France in Paris on Saturday next week.

“Sam Darry suffered a knee injury at training so he’ll be out for four to six weeks,” Robertson told New Zealand media in a Zoom call.

“Sam Cane needed stitches and he’s undergoing an HIA [head injury assessment]. The doctor had a hell of a job, it was a genuine deep cut.”

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Robertson said the experienced duo of Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett ‘should’ be in contention for the France Test, along with the following week’s Test against Italy in Turin.

Hooker Taylor and flyhalf Barrett suffered head knocks during last week’s Test against England which ruled them out of the victorious Ireland Test.

Cane is one of four players to have started all three tour matches, which the All Blacks are currently unbeaten from with wins over Japan, England and Ireland.

The others are fellow loose forward Wallace Sititi, prop Tamaiti Williams and wing Mark Tele’a.

Robertson said he wouldn’t hesitate to select any of them for a fourth Test in as many weeks, believing fatigue was not proving to be a factor as their 10-month playing season nears an end.

“I think they’re in great nick. We finished really strong against Ireland,” Robertson said.

“Once guys play well, it’s about backing them to continue to do it. Combinations are important, and form, so this week’s team is going to be interesting to name.

“Probably the big thing is just keeping the energy of the group up.”

Image credit: @Beaudenbarrett