All-Black Somerville out of tour

Prop Greg Somerville has become the latest player to be ruled out of New Zealand’s Great Britain and Ireland tour.

Somerville, 27, suffered a calf muscle injury during Canterbury’s Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland earlier this month, and he failed a fitness test ahead of the All Blacks’ departure to London today.

Somerville will be replaced in the 35-man All Blacks squad by Auckland’s Saimone Taumoepeau, with coach Graham Henry having made an earlier enforced change this week when injured back Luke McAlister pulled out because of a knee injury and was replaced by Nick Evans.

The All Blacks launch their four-Test trip against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday week, followed by appointments with Ireland, England and Scotland.