Rugby: All Blacks sweat on Jane scan

Cory Jane
Cory Jane
The All Blacks risk losing the services of a second wing before the Grand Slam component of their end of year rugby tour after Cory Jane damaged ribs during last night's Bledisloe Cup epic.

Jane was forced from the field in the 52nd minute of the Wallabies last-gasp 26-24 victory at Hong Kong Stadium and was undergoing scans while teammates were coming to terms with the end of their 15-test winning sequence.

An automatic choice in the All Blacks line-up, team management will be hoping Jane's medical assessment does not detect serious damage.

The All Blacks already have to contend with the unavailability of Sitiveni Sivivatu - the 43-cap veteran was ruled out of the tour with a knee injury hours before he was due to join the squad.

When Sivivatu's withdrawal was confirmed All Blacks head coach Graham Henry said a replacement would not initially be necessary because Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Hosea Gear and Isaia Toeava covered that position.

However, if Jane's injury is significant Rene Ranger, a new All Black in 2010, may be summoned.

New Zealand were to fly out for London at 1.35pm (NZT) where they open their four-test schedule against England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales at Twickenham on Sunday (NZT).

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