Saturday 3 June 2017 09:18, UK
New Zealand have suffered two more injury scares ahead of the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
Full-back Ben Smith failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and Ryan Crotty picked up a suspected rib cartilage issue in the Crusaders' thrilling 25-22 Super Rugby victory over the Highlanders.
Mitch Hunt's snap overtime drop-goal stole victory for the Crusaders, who had trailed for much of the second half, with the hosts just securing their 14th win in 14 regular-season matches.
Highlanders star Smith landed awkwardly on his head from a tap-tackle, and did not return after an HIA. Playmaking centre Crotty was also unable to continue after a heavy hit that left him in clear pain.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson cast a gloomy prognosis for Crotty shortly after the game.
"He's done a rib cartilage, so I think that Steve Hansen will be tucking into his notebook and thinking who's next," Robertson said.
The former All Blacks loose forward later rowed back on his initial assessment and said the extent of the injury would not be known until at least Sunday but that Crotty would probably miss "a couple of weeks".
Smith did not want to leave the field but was forced off by referee Glen Jackson and did not return to the game. It would mark his second concussion of the season and Highlanders coach Tony Brown said it was too early to determine if he would miss the Lions series, with the first Test on June 24, live on Sky Sports.
"It's hard to say at this stage. I haven't caught up with him or the doctor," Brown said. "But he was walking around after the game, so he should be all good.
"Everyone wants to stay on the field in games like that. But, precautionary, he needs to go off and get checked and he didn't pass."
The All Blacks are already sweating over the fitness of star hooker Dane Coles, who continues to battle concussion concerns. Coles' Hurricanes boss Chris Boyd has admitted the 30-year-old remains a serious doubt for the Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs on June 9.
Experienced No 8 Kieran Read is also yet to prove his fitness following a broken thumb, but continues to hope he can be ready to start the Lions series.
