Full-back Hogg’s cheek concern hits Lions after impressive win

Stuart Hogg faces a nervous 48-hour wait to discover whether his cheek injury could end his British and Irish Lions tour.

The Scotland full-back suffered a hugely unlucky facial injury in Saturday’s impressive 12-3 win over the Crusaders, running face-first into scrumhalf Conor Murray’s elbow.

Sam Warburton has shaken off his ankle problem to captain the Lions in tomorrow’s clash with Highlanders in Dunedin, while Jared Payne is fit to start at full-back as boss Gatland assesses his options at 15 given Hogg’s injury doubt.

“With Stuart Hogg, we’re getting a specialist to have a look at that cheek of his,” said Gatland. “We’re hoping he’ll be OK but we’re just getting someone more qualified than me to assess that.”

Centre Jonathan Davies must complete return-to-play protocols after a head knock, but is already free of any concussion symptoms, while Ross Moriarty is still carrying the after-effects of a back spasm.

Murray suffered a suspected dislocated finger against the Crusaders, when four Owen Farrell penalties won the day, but Lions bosses are unconcerned by the minor issue.

Gatland added: “Sam Warburton hadn’t had a lot of rugby under his belt so it was important to get him involved for this game.

“He could potentially back that up against the Maori All Blacks (on Saturday).”