Ian Foster: Chicago clash ‘pivotal’ to All Blacks’ tour progess

The All Blacks’ injury crisis at lock was compounded yesterday when Luke Romano was forced to return to New Zealand because of a family bereavement.

The world champions, already without first-choice second rowers Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick for Saturday’s Chicago clash with Ireland, will miss another 26 caps of Test experience with the loss of Romano, leaving Patrick Tuipulotu as the most experienced lock in the All Blacks squad with 10 caps.

With assistant coach Ian Foster confirming no replacement will be drafted into the touring party while Romano is absent, Blues forward Tuipuloti is in contention with uncapped duo Scott Barrett of the Crusaders and Vaea Fifita of the Hurricanes to face the Ireland pack at Soldier Field.