All Blacks reeling from Blair injury news

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The All Blacks entered their second World Cup match reeling from the news that full-back Ben Blair's tournament could be over.

The 24-year-old was scheduled to start on the bench but after complaining of neck pain an MRI scan late today revealed he is suffering from a prolapsed disc and a compressed nerve in his neck.

The results were a surprise to the All Blacks management, who are already one back down as vice-captain Tana Umaga attempts to fight his way back from a ruptured knee ligament.

With centre Aaron Mauger (knee) and Joe Rokocoko (hamstring) both unavailable to play today, prop Greg Somerville was named as Blair’s replacement on the bench.