Concussion and Covid hit the All Blacks

OUT OF THE PICTURE: Sam Whitelock had been ruled out due to a delayed-onset concussion following the series opener at Eden Park

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. The All Blacks have also lost fellow lock Tupou Vaa’i following a positive Covid test and head coach Ian Foster has been given approval to add Japan-based Patrick Tuipoluto to his squad.