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Quartet join All Blacks squad as injury cover

Sam Cane All Blacks rugby

The All Blacks' bruising 23-13 victory over then-world No 1 Ireland in Dublin last weekend has come at a cost.


Former captain and starting No 7 Sam Cane has been ruled out of the All Blacks' clash with France in Paris on Saturday (kick-off 9.10am Sunday NZ Time) after suffering a concussion and nasty gash to his forehead.


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Also unavailable for the showdown with the Tricolores at Stade de France will be right wing Mark Tele'a, who suffered a hand injury in the win over Ireland.


All Blacks XV captain Du'Plessis Kirifi has joined the All Blacks squad as cover for Cane, while Canterbury's Chay Fihaki has travelled to France as backs cover.


Samipeni Finau could be in-line to start in the loose forwards with Wallace Sititi and Ardie Savea, while Tele'a's absence could force a backline reshuffle, with Rieko Ioane a candidate to play on the wing.



In other squad news, Auckland outside back AJ Lam has replaced Harry Plummer, who suffered a minor leg injury, and Otago lock Fabian Holland is in for Sam Darry, who suffered a season-ending MCL injury at training last week, in the squad.


The All Blacks have won nine of 12 matches in Scott Robertson's first year in charge, including five straight heading into the France test.


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