Irish camp confirm Johnny Sexton is fine to play second test, but All Blacks suffer Whitelock blow

The Ireland captain and fly-half had been removed for a Head Injury Assessment in the first half of last Saturday’s first Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park.

GREEN LIGHT: Johnny Sexton has been passed fit for Ireland selection in this Saturday’s second Test against New Zealand in Dunedin after completing the required return to play process on Tuesday.

Covid and concussion continue to be the twin disruptors of this Ireland tour and Test series in New Zealand and the All Blacks fell prey to both yesterday having decamped to Dunedin.

While Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was passed fit for Ireland selection in this Saturday’s second Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium having completed the required Head Injury Assessment return to play process, the home camp announced that lineout leader Sam Whitelock had been ruled out due to a delayed-onset concussion following the series opener at Eden Park.