WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Luke Romano has become the third frontline lock ruled out of the All Blacks team that will play Ireland in a rugby test at Chicago's Soldier Field on Saturday.
Romano is returning to New Zealand because of a family bereavement, leaving Patrick Tuipulotu as the only specialist lock with test experience still available for selection.
The touring squad contains two uncapped locks: Scott Barrett - brother of flyhalf Beauden Barrett - and Vaea Fifita who may be in line for test debuts. Backrowers Stephen Luatua and Jerome Kaino can also play in the second row.
New Zealand has already lost its leading locking pair to injuries. Sam Whitelock has an ankle injury and Brodie Retallick has been ruled out of Saturday's match with concussion.
