All Blacks suffer double blow ahead of France showdown

New Zealand have been dealt a blow ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash against France in Paris on Saturday night.

After beating Ireland in Dublin, the All Blacks will take on Les Bleus without former captain Sam Cane and star winger Mark Tele’a.

Cane has been ruled out through concussion after suffering a huge cut during the 23-13 win in the Irish capital, while Tele’a has picked up a hand injury.

Rookie Sam Darry has also left Scott Robertson’s squad and is expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

Shadow All Blacks XV captain Du’Plessis Kirifi and lock Fabian Holland have been called up as forward cover, with winger Chay Fihaki in for Tele’a.

There is, however, some good news for Robertson, as Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor are both back in contention.

The All Blacks will be hoping to make it three from three when they meet France following tight wins over England and Ireland.

The last time the sides met it was France who prevailed in the group stages of last year’s World Cup.

Fabien Galthie’s side romped to a 52-12 victory over Japan in their first Autumn Nations Series game but will be expected a far sterner test when the Kiwis arrive in the French capital.

And France also won’t be at full strength. Francois Cros has failed to recover from the head injury he suffered against Japan, while winger Damian Penaud is battling illness.