Nov 11, V7N-Former captain Sam Cane is a fitness concern for New Zealand ahead of their match against France next Saturday, after suffering a head injury in their 23-13 win over Ireland on Friday. Cane, who needed stitches for the injury, will need to pass the head injury assessment (HIA) protocols to be cleared to play at the Stade de France. This injury adds to the list of forward woes for New Zealand, as lock Sam Darry also sustained a knee injury in training and has returned to New Zealand. Additionally, loose forwards Dalton Papali'i, Luke Jacobson, and Ethan Blackadder have stayed behind to recover from injuries, and there is no confirmation yet if any of them will rejoin the squad in Europe.
 
Cane, who is set to retire from test rugby after the tour, missed New Zealand's opening match against France at last year's Rugby World Cup due to a back injury. That game saw Papali'i move across the back row to replace Cane, with Tupou Vaa'i starting at blindside flanker—a tactical adjustment that coach Scott Robertson may need to consider once again.
 
On a more positive note, flyhalf Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor are expected to be fit after recovering from head knocks sustained in New Zealand's 24-22 victory over England. Their potential return will give Robertson a selection dilemma, as their replacements, Damian McKenzie and Asafo Aumua, both impressed in their performances against Ireland.
 
New Zealand's strong start to the tour will see them rise to second place in the world rankings behind South Africa, with Ireland dropping to third and France holding the fourth spot.
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