All Blacks lose key concussed pair for Ireland Test
All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor and five-eighth Beauden Barrett have been ruled out of the Test against Ireland due to concussion protocols.
Both players played in Saturday’s rip-roaring 24-22 win against England at Twickenham, and will be replaced for Friday’s match in Dublin by hooker Brodie McAlister and flyhalf Harry Plummer from the All Blacks XV squad.
Taylor was withdrawn within six minutes of New Zealand’s 24-22 victory over England on Saturday, while Barrett came off after 64 minutes following a head injury.
Ruben Love is also set to rejoin the All Blacks squad after his appearance for the All Blacks XVs in their victory over Munster.
All Blacks XV loose forward Christian Lio-Willie will remain with the team as extra cover while Dalton Papali’i and Ethan Blackadder continue their rehabilitation at home.
Centre Billy Proctor will return to New Zealand as he and his partner prepare for the arrival of their first child.
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