All Blacks: Dagg out, Boric unlikely for second test

All Black lock Anthony Boric left the field with a cheek injury. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg has all but been ruled out of next Saturday's second rugby test against Wales while lock Anthony Boric is likely to join him on the sidelines.

Coach Graham Henry today said Dagg (concussion) and Boric (cheekbone) were still being assessed by medical staff but were likely to be scratched from the Hamilton test.

"They'll both struggle to play next week, particularly Israel. He's not very well and you need time after those head knocks to make sure you're right. We wouldn't risk him," Henry said as he assessed the damage from his side's 42-9 win in the first test at Carisbrook here last night.

"Anthony has got a little stress fracture in his cheekbone and he could probably play but I wonder whether it's worth that risk. Before I talk to the medical staff and talk to him we won't know for sure."

Both took heavy knocks early in the second half; Dagg when his head smashed into the ground in a tackle and Boric when he clashed heads with teammate Keven Mealamu.

There were also minor injuries to last night's 27-point star Dan Carter (calf strain) and Conrad Smith (eye) which are not seen as serious but will be monitored through the week.

Dagg's injury puts the spotlight on 82-test fullback Mils Muliaina and his slow recovery from a calf strain which saw him run only lightly at training last week.

Henry had his fingers crossed that Muliaina would be fit for his first test of 2010 on his home ground at Waikato Stadium.

"We're hoping so. He's making good progress and hopefully he will continue to do so."

If he wasn't fit, Cory Jane would probably switch to fullback as he did last night, with winger Zac Guildford ready for his first test start of the year.

On the locking front, Sam Whitelock will be in line for his first run-on test while Tom Donnelly (ankle) is also making good progress and will likely be picked in the 22.

"Tom Donnelly played club rugby on Friday and he's ready to have a short run anyway at this level," Henry said.

"He needs to play for some period of the game and I'm sure Sam will get some time as well."

Henry said the coaches were still discussing whether they needed to call in cover, probably from the New Zealand Maori squad if required.

Midfielder Ma'a Nonu was making good progress from a long-term knee injury, Henry said, and would play Wellington club rugby on Saturday and be considered for the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa on July 10.

Meanwhile, there were also injury woes for Wales coach Warren Gatland.

First five-eighth Stephen Jones and centre Andrew Bishop underwent X-rays on hand injuries last night and both were suspected of having broken bones.

- NZPA