All Blacks sending three players home early after upset loss to Argentina

The All Blacks have confirmed three players will be returning to New Zealand today after the side's shock loss to Argentina on Saturday.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster confirmed they are prop Ofa Tuungafasi, loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi and midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen.

Foster says they had always intended to send a few players back at this stage of the tournament, based on whether or not they had injuries.

Tuungafasi leaves the squad after his season was ended by a three-week suspension for the red card he earned in the All Blacks' 24-22 loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane just under two weeks ago.

Kirifi and Umaga-Jensen on the other hand depart having travel to Australia as potential replacement options for Foster.

Foster says the advantage for the three players heading home is that they will get an extra two weeks of pre-season training and return to their Super Rugby clubs early.

The All Blacks have a bye this weekend before facing Argentina again in their final Tri-Nations match next Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Wallabies will meet Argentina at 8.45pm this Saturday.

[Source: TVNZ]