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Broken thumb leaves All Blacks' Squire a doubt for Lions opener
By Nicholas McGee
New Zealand and Highlanders flanker Liam Squire faces six weeks on the sidelines after breaking his thumb in the Super Rugby clash with Cheetahs.
Squire has been in the conversation to start for the All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions with Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino both on the sidelines through injury.
But he faces a race against time for the first Test of the three-match series on June 24 at Eden Park after injuring himself in the dramatic 45-41 win at Cheetahs.
"It is broken and he's on the plane home. He's probably looking at six weeks out for a broken thumb," Highlanders coach Tony Brown told reporters on Friday.
"With Kieran Read out, Liam was probably next cab off the rank [for the All Blacks]. Hopefully, both Kieran and Jerome Kaino can get back in time for the Lions."
Squire signed a two-year contract extension at Highlanders last month.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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