All Blacks' win over Ireland comes at a HEAVY injury price

11/09/2024 08:23 AM

Injured lock Sam Darry was ruled out of the rest of New Zealand’s season-ending tour on Saturday with veteran Sam Cane in doubt for their next Test against France.

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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson confirmed a squad replacement would be sought for Darry, who has played six Tests in his maiden international season.

Sam Cane suffered a head blow

The 24-year-old Auckland Blues player was not available for the 23-13 win over Ireland in Dublin on Friday after suffering an injury during the build-up.

Former captain Cane, 32, left the game in the closing minutes after suffering a head blow that required stitches and could rule him out of their Test against the French in Paris on Saturday next week.

“Sam Darry suffered a knee injury at training so he’ll be out for four to six weeks,” Robertson told New Zealand media in a Zoom call.

“Sam Cane needed stitches and he’s undergoing an HIA (head injury assessment). The doctor had a hell of a job, it was a genuine deep cut.”

Robertson said experienced pair Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett “should” be in contention for the France Test, along with the following week’s tour finale against Italy in Turin.

Hooker Taylor and flyhalf Barrett suffered head knocks during last week’s Test against England which ruled them out of the grinding victory in Dublin.

Combinations are key

Cane is one of four players to have started all three of the All Blacks’ tour matches, which have resulted in wins over Japan, England and Ireland.

The others are fellow-flanker Wallace Sititi, prop Tamaiti Williams and winger Mark Tele’a.

Robertson said he would not hesitate to pick any of them for a fourth Test in four weeks, believing fatigue was not proving to be a factor as their 10-month playing season nears an end.

“I think they’re in great nick. We finished really strong against Ireland,” Robertson said.

“Once guys play well, it’s about backing them to continue to do it. Combinations are important, and form, so this week’s team is going to be interesting to name.

“Probably the big thing is just keeping the energy of the group up.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse