The All Blacks have a new injury concern ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour after first‑five Beauden Barrett was a late withdrawal from the Hurricanes' Super Rugby clash with the Bulls in Pretoria having complained of mystery headaches.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said the decision to withdraw Barrett was made after doctors were unable to isolate the reasons for his condition.
Barrett had taken a blow to his head in the 61‑7 victory over the Cheetahs in Wellington last weekend but had passed a concussion test at the time.
The Hurricanes have already lost captain Dane Coles, who has been missing since the middle of March, to similar symptoms, but Boyd says the circumstances around Barrett's case are different as Coles' problems arose after he exercised.
Barrett is the first choice fly half for the world champion All Blacks who play the first of three eagerly anticipated tests against the touring Lions on June 24.
In other results, the Brumbies beat the Jaguares 39-15, the Crusaders defeated the Rebels 41-19, Chiefs and Blues drew 16‑all, Western Force beat the Reds 40‑26, Cheetahs beat the Sunwolves 47‑7, Highlanders defeated the Waratahs 44‑28, Sharks beat the Stormers 22‑10.
The Lions will face the Kings at 12.30am tomorrow.
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