Hooker Dane Coles is returning to New Zealand after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during the All Blacks 38-18 win over France on the weekend.
All Blacks hooker Dane Coles. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the injury will require surgery and he will likely need four to six months of recovery time.
Meanwhile one test loose forward Luke Whitelock has been named to captain the All Blacks in their tour match against a French fifteen in Lyon on Wednesday.
One test loose forward Luke Whitelock has been named to captain the All Blacks in their tour match against a French fifteen in Lyon on Wednesday.
Whitelock was called in as injury cover for Jerome Kaino earlier this week but will now captain the side in just his second appearance in the All Blacks jersey.
He'll become the 133rd person to captain New Zealand.
Six players in total will make their All Blacks debut, though the match doesn't carry Test status so they won't be awarded a cap for the match.
Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue will start in the midfield while prop Atu Moli, loose forwards Akira Ioane and Dillon Hunt, halfback Mitchell Drummond and first five Richie Mo'unga will start on the bench.
Luke Whitelock. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
Outgoing halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow is the most capped player in the All Blacks line up with 27 tests to his name.
Tim Perry, Nathan Harris and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen make up the front row while Ardie Savea and Liam Squire join Whitelock in the back row.
Chiefs lock Dominic Bird gets his third crack in the All Blacks' jersey, alongside him is Blues big man Patrick Tuipulotu.
Highlander first five Lima Sopoaga gets his third start in the number 10 jersey while Ngani Laumape will be outside him at second five eighth.
Seta Tamanivalu, Matt Duffie and David Havili make up the back three.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said Wednesday's match provides a great chance for the young side to show what they're capable of.
"This is another exciting opportunity for a young group of men to go out and experience what it's like to wear the All Blacks jersey and deal with all the pressures that come with that. We are sure that they will represent themselves, their families and the All Blacks proudly.
"Whilst Luke Whitelock is only playing his second game for the All Blacks, he was an obvious choice as captain given his experience and leadership as captain of both the Highlanders and Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup team. On behalf of the All Blacks, we'd like to congratulate Luke as well as the players who are pulling on the black jersey for the first time. It will be a proud moment for all of them."
Wednesday's match against the French XV will be played at Groupama Stadium in Lyon. Kick off is at 7am NZ time.
All Blacks squad to face French XV:
1. Tim Perry
2. Nathan Harris (9)
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (1)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (15)
5. Dominic Bird (2)
6. Liam Squire (13)
7. Ardie Savea (22)
8. Luke Whitelock (1) - captain
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (27)
10. Lima Sopoaga (13)
11. Seta Tamanivalu (3)
12. Ngani Laumape (4)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Matt Duffie
15. David Havili (3)
16. Asafo Aumua
17. Atu Moli
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (12)
19. Scott Barrett (15)
20. Akira Ioane
21. Dillon Hunt
22. Mitch Drummond
23. Richie Mo'unga
-RNZ
