All Blacks hooker out of tour

Hooker Corey Flynn has been ruled out of New Zealand's remaining Test matches against Wales and England

Hooker Corey Flynn has been ruled out of New Zealand's remaining Test matches against Wales and England. Flynn suffered a broken left arm during the All Blacks' 18-16 victory over Munster in Limerick on Tuesday night.

He will be replaced on the bench against Wales this weekend by Hikawera Elliott. A decision on whether to summon a tour replacement for Flynn will be made after the Wales game. New Zealand face England at Twickenham on Saturday week.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said: "Corey complained of soreness yesterday, and an x-ray in Cardiff yesterday evening confirmed he has suffered a fracture to his left forearm."

Prop Tony Woodcock, meanwhile, will start at loosehead against Wales — having avoided a ban in his disciplinary hearing in Dublin last night. Woodcock was cited for striking an opponent with his hand during New Zealand's 22-3 win against Ireland last weekend.

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He admitted committing an act of foul play, but International Rugby Board judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar considered it did not warrant a red card - and therefore no further sanction was appropriate.

A decision on the All Blacks tighthead position this weekend is still to be made, with Neemia Tialata currently recovering from a viral infection.