Confirmation that Sam Cane is out under concussion protocols after that nasty gash to the head, plus Tele'a is out with an injury as well. Sam Darry is also injured from training and is or has already gone home.
Du Plessis Kirifi and Chay Fihaki have been called in from the All Blacks XV squad as cover.
After earlier confirmation that Luke Jacobson wouldn't make the tour, its now been confirmed that Ethan Blackadder and Daltan Papali'i are also not travelling north at all now as well.
So with Cane out injured it will be very interesting to see how Razor selects the team and bench. There's a few options.
- Call Peter Lakai or Kirifi in at 7 and keep Finau on the bench, with Sititi & Savea staying at 6 & 8
- Shift Sititi and Savea to 8 & 7 then bring Finau into the starting team with Lakai onto the bench (is already in the squad and covers more positions than Kirifi.
- Do the same shift but move Barrett to 6, leaving Finau on the bench and starting Tuipulotu at lock with Lord coming in as cover on the bench.
With Tele'a out there's also lots of possible permutations for the backline - particularly with McKenzie playing so well against Ireland.
- Shift Jordan back to 14 where he is playing better and bring Barrett into the 15 jersey
- Reece back in at 14
- Bring Reuben Love in at 14 or 15, and then McKenzie or Barrett cover from the bench.
Should make for an interesting team announcement in a day or two.