All Blacks hit by injuries

Winger Cory Jane and hooker Nathan Harris will miss the rest of the All Blacks' tour due to injuries sustained in the opening match against the United States. Photo by: Reuters

Winger Cory Jane and hooker Nathan Harris will miss the rest of the All Blacks' tour due to injuries sustained in the opening match against the United States. Photo by: Reuters

Published Nov 3, 2014

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Wellington – Winger Cory Jane and hooker Nathan Harris will miss the rest of the All Blacks' tour due to injuries sustained in the opening match against the United States, team management said Monday.

Both players went off injured after scoring first-half tries in the 74-6 rout at Chicago's Soldier Field, and officials said they were out of the tour, which includes Tests against England, Scotland and Wales later this month.

Jane had a hamstring injury and Harris hurt his ankle, All Blacks officials tweeted, with replacements yet to be confirmed.

Jane's departure is a blow for the player, who is yet to cement himself as an automatic starter after a string of injuries.

But the All Blacks have plenty of options on the wing in the touring squad, with Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Sonny Bill Williams and Charles Piutau all capable of playing out wide.

Finding a replacement hooker is a more urgent task, with the All Blacks needing quality back-up for Dane Coles and Keven Mealamu as they prepare to face a tough England pack at Twickenham this weekend. – Sapa-AFP

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