The All Blacks are in recovery mode after a bruising tour opener with the Barbarians yesterday morning, but they're also combating illness off the pitch with another player contracting the mumps virus.
Rieko Ioane is the second All Black this tour to pick up the infection after rookie centre Jack Goodhue was forced to miss yesterday's match when was struck down by the same illness.
Goodhue stayed in New Zealand to recover before rejoining the team last Friday, leading All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and team management to believe the cases are isolated.
The young winger says the game is a challenge the All Blacks are really looking forward to. (Source: Other)
"It's unrelated to Jack Goodhue because they haven't been in contact," Hansen said.
"It's obviously come out of Auckland somewhere. It will be touch and go. [Ioane] trained this morning - it will depend on how well he comes through the week, we'll wait and see."
Hansen made sure to downplay the possibility of more cases appearing in team camp.
The All Blacks coach said Owens ruled the game differently from what he would a Test match. (Source: Other)
"Doc has done a great job. He isolated him so no, we're not worried."
The All Blacks could also lose veteran loose forward Jerome Kaino for this Sunday's fixture after it was confirmed he injured his posterior cruciate ligament in the All Blacks' 31-22 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham.
The All Blacks play France in Paris on Sunday morning.
SHARE ME