BREAKING: Franks ruled out of second Bledisloe test

Veteran All Blacks prop Owen Franks will be out of this weekend’s test against Australia after suffering an Achilles injury in training.

Franks was due to line up alongside Dane Coles and Joe Moody in the front row, but will now be replaced in the squad by relative rookie, Nepo Laulala.

There are no further details on the seriousness of the injury, but its timing is another blow to the All Blacks following the concussion-enforced withdrawal of Wyatt Crockett.