Rugby: All Blacks fullback Ben Smith doubtful for remainder of Lions series

All Blacks fullback Ben Smith hit his head after challenging for a high ball. Photo / Greg Bowker

It would seem unlikely that Ben Smith is going to play for the All Blacks in Wellington. It wouldn't be a surprise if he didn't line up in the third either as concern is growing within the All Blacks as to why the fullback is now suffering from his third concussion this season.

He failed a concussion test midway through the first half of the first test and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said they would be giving him a few days before they begin putting him through return to play protocols.

That will almost certainly curtail Smith's ability to train with the team and even should he be passed fit to return in Wellington, if he doesn't play a full part in the build up, there will be reluctance to pick him.

Duty of care is more important and the All Blacks won't be keen to rush him back until they are satisfied there is no underlying issue given the repeated histories of concussion in Smith's case.

"Bender obviously last night failed the concussion test so he is under protocol and Damian McKenzie is going to come in," revealed Hansen.

"It is like any concussion. Until such time as he goes through all the protocols and passes them then he is not going to be available.

"It is day one and he is still to do anything in regard to testing. It is not the sort of thing you rush into. We will give him a few days and then do some stuff with him.

"[Smith's history]It does [heighten concern]. Obviously there is something going on there that is not quite right so we need to find out what that is."

Smith, renowned as one of the best operators in world rugby under the high ball, spilled two in quick succession in the first 20 minutes at Eden Park which was most unlike him.

In trying to take the second, he fell heavily which sparked a bit of concern among the medics. There didn't appear to be any significant head clash as such, but Smith obviously didn't satisfy the medics in the few minutes after that he was quite right and was taken for testing. Which he subsequently failed.

Should he be unavailable for the second test, the most likely reshuffling will see Israel Dagg shift to fullback and that will pave the way for one of either Julian Savea or Waisake Naholo to come into the starting team. With Rieko Ioane comfortable on either wing there would be no issue swapping him to the right to accommodate Savea on his preferred left side.

Hansen was keen to also point out that the decision to release Savea to play for the Hurricanes against the Lions shouldn't be seen as a decision already having been made.

Playing on Tuesday night won't preclude Savea from backing up again on Saturday in the test, however, it would be a surprise if the selectors didn't opt for Naholo who delivered such an impressive performance against the Lions when he played for the Highlanders.

There will have to be another, definite, change to the backline for the second test as Ryan Crotty is looking at between two to four weeks on the sidelines after pulling his hamstring.

Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert -Brown will most likely start at 12 and 13 with midfield cover on the bench to be determined.

"[Ryan]Crotty did a right hamstring so he could be two weeks he could be four, Jack Goodhue who is here will stay and Akira Ioane will stay as Matt Todd has done a calf at training and gone home."