All Blacks plunged deeper into injury crisis

They must be getting worried over in New Zealand now.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read, vice captains Ben Smith and Jerome Kaino, Dane Coles, Nehe Milner-Skudder and now Liam Squire are on the injury list, with each one a doubt for the First Test against the British & Irish Lions on June 24. With four weeks to go until the start of the Lions Tour, the locals are having a right time of it. Squire broke a thumb in The Highlanders' thrilling 45-41 victory over The Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and will be out of action for at least six weeks. The back-row was set to feature against the Lions and possibly start if Kaino [knee] or Read [broken thumb] failed to recover in time. Highlanders coach Tony Brown told reporters:

"It is broken and he's on the plane home... With Kieran Read out, Liam was probably next cab off the rank [for the All Blacks]. Hopefully, both Kieran and Jerome Kaino can get [back] in time for the Lions."

The deepening All Blacks injury crisis was discussed on The Hard Yards [from 36:35 below] when Kiwi journalist Andy Rowe offered a view from his home-land. Rowe said, "Read is looking like he'll be back two weeks before the First Test and Kaino will hopefully be back a week before that Test. He's had minor knee surgery. "Ben Smith has rolled his ankle. Milner Skudder and Israel Dagg have been out, Dane Cole is the mystery one." He added:

"Most of the sports angles [in New Zealand] are on will the All Blacks be ready for the Lions, will these guys be ready and back from injury? Everyone's talking about it; everyone's excited about it."

Rowe did flag the likes of Ardie Savea as a potential back row replacement should Kaino, Read and/or Squire miss out. Luke Whitelock is also an option but he has not featured for the ABs in three years. There's time yet but the hosts are veering towards a full-blown injury crisis.