Injury Sidelines Key Players Ahead of All Blacks' Crucial Test Against France

All Blacks' Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a are sidelined with injuries ahead of the test against France. Cane suffered a head cut needing assessment, while Tele'a has a hand injury. Shadow captain Du'Plessis Kirifi joins the squad, along with winger Chay Fihaki and lock Fabian Holland for Sunday's game.

New Zealand faces a lineup challenge as flanker Sam Cane and winger Mark Tele'a are ruled out of Sunday's crucial test against France. The announcement came on Monday, confirming injuries to core members of the team.

Cane's head cut, suffered in a victory over Ireland, requires adherence to Head Injury Assessment protocols. Meanwhile, Tele'a is sidelined due to a hand injury. To reinforce the squad, Shadow All Blacks XV captain Du'Plessis Kirifi will step in. Winger Chay Fihaki and lock Fabian Holland are also called up, replacing Sam Darry, who faces a season-ending knee injury.

The All Blacks will battle France at Stade de France, adding pressure as they adjust to the absence of their key players.

(With inputs from agencies.)