Wednesday 2 November 2016 11:27, UK
Luke Romano has become the latest lock forward ruled out of New Zealand's clash with Ireland in Chicago on Saturday.
Romano, who had been in line alongside Patrick Tuipulotu at Soldier Field, has flown back to New Zealand after learning of a family bereavement.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was already without senior pairing Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, and Romano's absence most likely means a first Test cap for Scott Barrett.
Vaea Fifita, who travelled to the United States as a temporary replacement for Whitelock, is also in contention but might have to settle for a place on the bench.
Whitelock and Retallick are closing on returns from injury and could rejoin the squad ahead of their clash with Italy on November 13 or against Ireland in Dublin seven days later.
Assistant coach Ian Foster is sure whoever lines up will do the job asked of them.
"They have come in and done what we need to them to do," he said.
"They have got some good teachers around them. Like all the boys who have come on tour, they have worked hard to get up to speed quickly and are doing a good job at it."
