All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu is set to miss the second test against Argentina after suffering a head knock in the side’s opening Rugby Championship victory in Cordoba.
Tuipulotu went to hospital following the 41-24 win, in which he came off the bench and played 25 minutes.
“Patty went offto hospital and had a couple of checkups as well, which we’re monitoring over the next 24 hours. [He’s] potentially unlikely for this week,” All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan said.
Tuipulotu left hospital and rejoined the squad for the trip to Buenos Aires.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett left the field after 55 minutes, replaced by Tuipulotu, but Ryan confirmed he’ll be fit and ready for the next test, saying Barrett was on managed minutes after returning from an Achilles injury.
“That was always the plan there but he’s got through really well. We’re really, pleased for how he played.”
Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams are set to be fit for selection for this Sunday’s test but Ryan said there will be some tough selection calls in the coming days.
“We’ll get through tomorrow and then we’ll make that decision. We’ve got some decent selection conversations to have to be honest because the people in those positions are playing pretty well, so that’s healthy,” Ryan said.
