All Blacks sweating on locks for Ireland series

Sam Whitelock is now a doubt for the series with a broken thumb.

Sam Whitelock of New Zealand drops a high ball during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

NEW Zealand have a problem or two looming in the second row ahead of their three-test series against Ireland next month with Sam Whitelock now a doubt with a broken thumb.

Whitelock played in the Crusaders' impressive 21-7 Super Rugby (Pacific) final win on Saturday in Auckland but afterwards coach Scott Robertson confirmed his talisman had played the match with a hand injury.