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Crotty set to miss rest of series, All Blacks wait on Smith
By Christopher Devine
Ryan Crotty appears likely to miss the remainder of New Zealand's series with the British and Irish Lions due to a hamstring injury, while the All Blacks remain unsure of Ben Smith's availability.
Centre Crotty and full-back Smith were both forced off in the first half as the All Blacks triumphed 30-15 in the first Test at Eden Park on Saturday.
Damian McKenzie has since been called up as cover for Smith, who suffered another concussion, while Crotty's likely absence will be covered by Jack Goodhue - a player already with the squad as injury cover.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: "Crotty did a hamstring, right hamstring. He could be two weeks, he could be four weeks, so Jack Goodhue, who's here, will stay.
"Akira Ioane will [also] stay because Matt Todd has also done a calf during the week in training, so he's going to go home."
On Smith's head injury, Hansen added: "It's like any concussion. Until such time as he goes through all the protocols and passes them he's not going to be available.
"It's day one and he's still to do anything in regards to testing. It's not the sort of thing you rush into. We'll give him a few days."
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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