Hoskins Sotutu withdraws from All Blacks XV duties citing injury

Blues’ star loose forward Hoskins Sotutu has withdrawn from the All Blacks XV’s Northern tour.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed that Sotutu has suffered a knee injury and will await further medical consultation to determine the severity and recovery timeline.

It comes after the All Blacks announced their loose forward stocks had taken a hit, with Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson and Dalton Papali’i ruled out of next week’s test against Japan.

That created an opportunity for 21-year-old Hurricanes loose forward Peter Lakai, and 23-year-old Chiefs lock Josh Lord to come into the squad.

For Lakai, it means a potential test debut next Saturday in Yokohama.

In addition, seven members of the All Blacks XV squad will be travelling to Japan with the All Blacks as training cover.

These players will then join the All Blacks XV squad in Ireland, with the possible exception of one further call-up to cover the 36th spot in the All Blacks squad.

The All Blacks XV will take on Irish club Munster on 3rd November.

[Source: New Zealand Herald]