The injury and illness defections of Sam Whitelock and Tupou Vaa'i have complicated matters for the All Blacks ahead of the second test against Ireland

Scott Barrett would have likely stayed at blindside, but he may be required to slot in at his natural home.

All Blacks commentator Elliott Smith reports from Dunedin.

The news would have come as a double blow to coach Ian Foster, with Barrett almost certainly now required to move back to the second row.

An immediate start for Patrick Tuipulotu is an outside chance, but running all three fit locks in the run-on side is a risk.

Barrett is likely to move back to the second-row, while Dalton Papalii and Akira Ioane appear poised to fight it out for the six jersey.

Cane is delighted Tuipulotu has been cleared to play by the NZR board.



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