Thorn ruled out of Ireland match

New Zealand lock Brad Thorn has been ruled out of tomorrow’s match with Ireland having failed to recover from a hamstring strain.

Thorn, 35, was set to win his 50th test cap, but pulled up in training on Tuesday with the injury.

The All Black veteran, who represented Australia in rugby league before switching to union, has been replaced by Auckland lock Anthony Boric with Samuel Whitelock coming into the replacements.

Thorn is a powerful ball carrier and is a big loss to the All Blacks who are also without fellow first choice second row Ali Williams and hooker Kevin Mealamu who is serving a two-match ban.

New Zealand: (Revised)Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear; Dan Carter, Andy Ellis; Owen Franks, Hika Elliot, Tony Woodcock.; Tom Donnelly, Anthony Boric; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw; Jerome Kaino

Subs: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Sam Whitelock , Liam Messam, Alby Mathewson, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams