The All Blacks' locking crisis has worsened with Luke Romano returning home from Chicago due to a family bereavement.
Romano was expected to start against Ireland at Soldier Field on Sunday because first‑choice locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick have been scratched with injury.
Assistant coach Ian Foster says Romano will return immediately to New Zealand.
Romano’s departure means Patrick Tuipulotu will probably be joined by the uncapped Scott Barrett in the second row.
Barrett was selected in the tour squad that left New Zealand last week as cover for injured Crusaders team‑mate Sam Whitelock.
Vaea Fifita, also uncapped, has also travelled to the US as a replacement for Retallick, who suffered a concussion against the Wallabies.
The All Blacks will play Ireland at 9am this Sunday.
Wales will play Australia at 3.30am Sunday while the Barbarians play South Africa at 4am Sunday.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
