Injured lock Sam Darry has been ruled out of the rest of New Zealand’s end-of-year tour with veteran Sam Cane in doubt to face France next week.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson confirmed on Saturday that a squad replacement would be sought for Darry, who has played six Tests in his maiden Test season.

The 24-year-old Blues player was not available for the 23-13 win over Ireland in Dublin on Friday after getting hurt in the buildup at Aviva Stadium.

Former captain Cane left the game in the closing minutes with a head blow that required stitches and could miss the trip to Paris next Saturday.

“Sam Darry suffered a knee injury at training so he’ll be out for four to six weeks,” Robertson told New Zealand media in a Zoom call.

“Sam Cane needed stitches and he’s undergoing an HIA (head injury assessment). The doctor had a hell of a job, it was a genuine deep cut.”

Robertson said experienced pair Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett “should” be in contention for the France Test, along with the following week’s tour finale against Italy in Turin.

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Hooker Taylor and flyhalf Barrett suffered head knocks during last week’s Test against England which ruled them out of the grinding victory in Dublin.

Cane is one of four players to have started all three tour matches, which have resulted in wins over Japan, England and Ireland.

The others are fellow flanker Wallace Sititi, prop Tamaiti Williams and winger Mark Tele’a.

Robertson said he would not hesitate to pick any of them for a fourth Test in four weeks, believing fatigue was not proving to be a factor as their 10-month playing season nears an end.

“I think they’re in great nick. We finished really strong against Ireland,” Robertson said.

“Once guys play well, it’s about backing them to continue to do it. Combinations are important, and form, so this week’s team is going to be interesting to name.

“Probably the big thing is just keeping the energy of the group up.”

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images

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