New Zealand v Wales: Jenkins, Davies and Turnbull fly home injured
- Published
New Zealand v Wales (third Test) |
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Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Date: Saturday, 25 June 2016 Kick-off: 08:35 BST |
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport app, Connected TV, and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website. |
Wales forwards Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies and Josh Turnbull will miss the third and final Test in New Zealand due to injury and have returned to the UK.
British and Irish Lions prop Jenkins, 35, suffered a calf injury in the 36-22 defeat in Wellington last weekend, while lock Davies has a knee concern.
Back-row Turnbull picked up a shoulder injury in the 40-7 loss to the Chiefs.
Steve Hansen's All Blacks have a decisive 2-0 series lead going into Saturday's game in Dunedin.
Wales, beaten 39-21 in the first Test at Eden Park, have lost 28 consecutive matches against the world champions, with their last win coming in 1953.
Wales' summer fixtures: |
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11 June: New Zealand 39-21 Wales (Auckland) |
14 June: Chiefs 40-7 Wales (Hamilton) |
18 June: New Zealand 36-22 Wales (Wellington) |
25 June: New Zealand (Dunedin) |
Warren Gatland's side expect to have Jamie Roberts at their disposal for the final game of the tour after the Lions centre took a blow to the head in Wellington.
Roberts is going through return-to-play protocols this week, but forwards coach Robin McBryde says there is "no doubt" over his availability.
Second-row Jake Ball is also fit for Saturday's match after recovering from soreness and a dislocated finger, while back Gareth Anscombe is fine after taking a knock to the hip in the first Test.
Commenting on the injured trio, McBryde said: "We haven't got any room for any further injuries, we are pretty tight.
"We are fit and well with regards to the boys that are left here. Obviously sad to see the other boys go, but it's not going to affect us too much."
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Wales had already lost flanker Dan Lydiate with a shoulder injury before the tour and fellow British and Irish Lion George North departed after the opening Test because of a hamstring tear.
Prop Paul James (calf) and scrum-half Lloyd Williams (ankle) have also left the tour with front-row Aaron Jarvis, Scarlets scrum-half Aled Davies, Ospreys wing Keelan Giles and Scarlets back Rhys Patchell flying to New Zealand as injury cover.
British and Irish Lions Leigh Halfpenny, Justin Tipuric and Alex Cuthbert were not considered for Wales' tour because of injury.
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