AUCKLAND (Reuters) - All Blacks coach Steve Hansen's injury concerns continued on Thursday with winger Israel Dagg set to join a growing list of players ruled out with long-term problems. Dagg missed selection for Saturday's Rugby Championship match with South Africa due to a long-standing knee injury and Hansen told reporters the prognosis "does not look great". The 29-year-old Dagg, who missed the two Rugby Championship clashes with Australia, was replaced last week against Argentina in the 49th minute after he aggravated the injury. Props Owen Franks (Achilles) and Joe Moody (shoulder), and rookie fullback Jordie Barrett (shoulder) have all been ruled out for the rest of the season. Hansen has plenty of options to replace Dagg, even if team vice-captain Ben Smith is on a sabbatical until next year's Super Rugby season.

Source: The Star September 14, 2017 02:48 UTC