All Blacks centre Conrad Smith and fullback Israel Dagg have been ruled out of Saturday’s second rugby test against Wales at Hamilton.
Smith suffered an eye injury while Dagg was concussed in the 42-9 win over Wales at Dunedin last Saturday.
“Israel is making good progress from his concussion but still has mild symptoms so won’t be available this weekend.
” Conrad was reviewed by a specialist at Waikato Hospital yesterday and, while his eye is settling well, he too won’t be available to play this weekend,” All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said in a statement.
Blues and Northland utility back Rene Ranger who can play at wing or centre has been called into the All Blacks squad to cover for Smith and Dagg.
Ranger who had trained with the All Blacks before the international series began with Ireland, played for the New Zealand Barbarians against New Zealand Maori earlier this month.
