Patrick Tuipulotu is in doubt for the second test against Argentina, after suffering a head injury in their 41-24 win over the Pumas in Córdoba.
The Blues captain required a head injury assessment and was subsequently taken to hospital for further treatment.
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan confirmed from Buenos Aires this morning that Tuipulotu is potentially unlikely for this week.
Ryan says Tuipulotu went off to hospital and had a couple of check-ups as well, which they are monitoring over the next 24 hours.
The lock had come in replacing captain Scott Barrett in the midst of a fightback by the home side that yielded two converted tries.
His presence was keenly felt on the park, with the 56-test veteran playing a key role in stealing Argentine lineout ball and organising defence.
While he will be missed, Tuipulotu's absence this weekend would open up some interesting possibilities for the All Black coaching staff.
Tupou Vaa'i and Samipeni Finau finished the game in the second row after Barrett and Fabian Holland were subbed, with Ryan confirming that both starters were taken off due to workload management.
The All Black depth chart would suggest that Vaa'i would likely start at lock this weekend, with Finau starting on the blindside.
Josh Lord stands as the next lock cover to come off the bench, with Simon Parker ready to cover the loose forwards.
In other injury news, Ryan said that Anton Lienert-Brown underwent a head injury assessment as well for his collision with Santiago Chocobares that resulted in the All Black midfielder being yellow carded.
The Wallabies play the Springboks at 3.10am this Sunday in Cape Town while the All Blacks face the Pumas at 9.10am.
[Source: RNZ]
