Rieko Ioane and Luke Romano out of New Zealand's clash with Wales due to injury
Monday 20 November 2017 15:28, UK
New Zealand wing Rieko Ioane and lock Luke Romano will miss the world champions' final Test of their end-of-season tour against Wales on Saturday through injury.
Ioane suffered a shoulder rotator cuff injury in the 22-17 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday while Romano has a foot injury from the same game.
The All Blacks have already lost hooker Dane Coles and back row Jerome Kaino to injury earlier in the tour.
Head coach Steve Hansen said 20-year-old Ioane, who has scored eight tries in 10 Tests, would be sorely missed as New Zealand sought to end their five-match tour unbeaten at the Principality Stadium.
"He's a [World Rugby awards] rookie and player of the year nominee for a reason. He's played really, really well," said Hansen.
"But it's an exciting challenge for somebody to have to step up and do that job. I've got plenty of faith in the bloke we're going to probably pick. He's going all right, so we'll see how he goes."
Matt Duffie, David Havili and Seta Tamanivalu are the options for Hansen on the wing while Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu are in line to replace Romano in the second row.
