Rugby: Luke Romano, Matt Todd and Tom Franklin called into All Blacks

Matt Todd. Photo / Photosport

With a number of All Blacks under injury clouds heading into the first test against France on Saturday, the call has been put out for injury cover.

Crusaders duo Luke Romano and Matt Todd, alongside Highlanders lock Tom Franklin have been called into the squad with a number of forwards in doubt.

Romano and Franklin come into the side as Sam Whitelock battles to make his way back from concussion, while Brodie Retallick (pectoral) looks set to miss an extended period of time due to an injury suffered in the Chiefs loss against the Crusaders at the weekend.

Retallick is joined by fellow Chiefs stalwart Sam Cane under the injury cloud, with Cane in a race against the clock to shake off an abdominal strain.

Named in the Chiefs' squad for last weekend's match, he was one of a number of late withdrawals, with Crusaders duo Jordan Taufua (calf) and Jack Goodhue (hamstring) also being taken out of the game before kick off.

Todd joins the squad as loose forward cover. The Crusaders captain was unlucky to miss out in the initial squad, but will gets his opportunity after a tumoultuous week for All Blacks injuries.

On Sunday, eight All Blacks were in doubt for the opening clash against France at Eden Park. Sonny Bill Williams (knee) and Tim Perry (hamstring) were already ruled out for the series, while Ryan Crotty joined Whitelock in the battle back through concussion protocols.

Despite Williams being out and the concerns around Crotty and Goodhue, no midfield cover has been called upon. Should the two be unavailable, Ngani Laumape and Anton Lienert-Brown seem the likely choices to don the No12 and No13 jerseys on at Eden Park.

Todd and Romano are no strangers to the All Blacks set up. Todd made his debut for the national side in 2013 and has 13 test caps to his name, while Romano debuted a year prior and has 31 played 31 tests.

Franklin has been part of the All Blacks squad before but is yet to make is test debut.

The All Blacks casaulty ward
Brodie Retallick – pectoral
Jack Goodhue – hamstring
Jordan Taufua – calf
Ryan Crotty – concussion
Sam Cane – abdominal
Sam Whitelock – concussion
Sonny Bill Williams – knee
Tim Perry - hamstring