All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been ruled out of the side’s Rugby World Cup match against Japan in Hamilton on Friday due to a minor calf strain, postponing his 100th Test appearance.
Fullback Mils Muliaina (hamstring strain) and Israel Dagg (abdominal strain) were also injured during a training session late Wednesday and the players failed assessments by the All Blacks medical staff on Thursday morning.
“It’s disappointing to have the players unavailable, especially Richie and Mils who were both looking forward to playing against Japan,” coach Graham Henry said.
“But injuries are something that we all have to deal with and it’s great that we have versatility in the squad so Isaia (Toeava) is able to slot in at fullback.”
McCaw, who was due to play his 100th Test and become the first All Black to reach the milestone, has suffered a minor calf strain in his left leg, and Muliaina had a tight right hamstring, team doctor Deb Robinson said.
Dagg, who would have covered for Muliaina has a right abdominal strain.
“It was a bad day at the office as far as injuries are concerned but the good news is that all the injuries are not serious,” Robinson said.
“There would be risk of further injury to these players if we let them play so we have withdrawn them.
“We will now concentrate on their rehabilitation with the aim of getting them ready to resume training next week to prepare for the France Test.”
The injured trio join five-eighth Dan Carter on the sidelines.
Hooker Keven Mealamu will now captain the side with Toeava, who was not named in the original match 22, now starting at fullback.
The forwards reshuffle sees Adam Thomson move to openside flanker, Victor Vito comes off the bench to No.8 and lock Anthony Boric replaces Vito in the reserves.
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