The All Blacks suffered a double injury blow in the opening half of the Lions series, with Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty both forced from the field. Smith was substituted in the 26th minute after sustaining a blow to the head, while Crotty joined him on the sidelines after appearing to strain his hamstring in the 33rd minute. Smith was sidelined for two weeks earlier in the Super Rugby season after sustaining a concussion while playing for the Highlanders. Smith was replaced tonight by Aaron Cruden as Beauden Barrett shifted to fullback, but the All Blacks do boast other options in their 33-man squad. Crotty, meanwhile, pulled up lame towards the end of the first half, immediately clutching at the back of his leg.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 24, 2017 09:01 UTC