Tuipulotu likely to miss second Test after head knock

All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu is set to miss New Zealand’s second Rugby Championship test against Argentina this weekend, following a head injury sustained during their 41-24 win in Córdoba.

Assistant coach Jason Ryan revealed that Tuipulotu was hospitalized for further evaluation after being substituted in the 56th minute.

“Patty went off to the hospital and had a couple of check-ups as well,” Ryan said, noting that Tuipulotu is “potentially unlikely for this week.”

Tuipulotu had stepped in for captain Scott Barrett, who had been recovering from an Achilles issue, and made a solid impact before the injury forced him off.

Barrett himself remains fit and available for the Buenos Aires clash. Fellow lock Fabian Holland, who left the field due to cramp late in the first Test, has been cleared to play.

There is also optimism around the return of Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams, recovering from ankle and knee surgeries respectively, who could bolster the squad depth.

“We have got some decent selection decisions to be honest… that’s healthy,” Ryan added.

Monday’s results have propelled the All Blacks back to the top of the World Rugby rankings for the first time since 2021, capitalizing on Australia’s shock win over South Africa. The Springboks have dropped to third, while the Wallabies remain at sixth.

Head coach Scott Robertson emphasized that, despite the ranking boost, the team’s full attention is on delivering performance next week: “We’re pleased we’re number one, but our sights will probably be more set on next week’s match than rankings.”