Opponents hit by injuries

The All Blacks aren’t the only injuryhit team – their northern hemisphere tour rivals are reeling too.

France, Scotland and Wales will all be without key players for the November tests against Kieran Read’s men, who are missing frontline stars due to injuries (Israel Dagg, Owen Franks and Joe Moody), family leave (Brodie Retallick) and a sabbatical (Ben Smith).

France – the All Blacks’ test opponents in Paris on November 11 – will be without No 1 first fiveeighth Camille Lopez, out for five months with a broken leg.

Young Montpellier loose forward Yacoube Camara has also confirmed he will be missing for the November test series after tearing ankle ligaments against English champions Exeter.

Scotland, who the All Blacks meet at Murrayfield on November 18, will be without captain and halfback Greig Laidlaw, who broke a bone in his leg while playing for Clermont in the previous European Champions Cup round.

Scottish coach Gregor Townsend will also lament the loss of hard-headed hooker Fraser Brown, who has a knee problem.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is also sweating on the fitness of some key players ahead of the November 25 clash with the All Blacks. The New Zealander will have to do without British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton (neck) and wing George North (knee) while several others are doubtful.