All Blacks v Argentina: Patrick Tuipulotu to return to New Zealand with facial fracture

All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will return home for surgery after suffering a facial fracture during the opening Rugby Championship victory in Cordoba last weekend.

Tuipulotu emerged off the bench in the 55th minute of the All Blacks’ 41-24 win over the Pumas and, while he finished the match, the Blues captain suffered a head clash with one of Argentina’s props.

After the match Tuipulotu spent time in Cordoba hospital where he was checked and cleared of serious damage and concussion but he was ruled out of this weekend’s rematch with the Pumas.

Further scans in Buenos Aires on Monday revealed a facial fracture that requires surgery and will sideline Tuipulotu for six weeks post surgery.

Despite the unfortunate setback that initially left Tuipulotu with a dent in his face, an injury more common with mountain bikers, the second-rower is in positive spirits.

“I didn’t realise he took the head knock until after the game,” All Blacks lock and loose forward Tupou Vaa’i said.

“He shot over to the hospital to get checked out and now he’s okay. I hope when he goes home, his surgery goes well and he recovers well.”

All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown is also returning home after failing his HIA suffered in a late head clash tackle that earned him a yellow card.

Lienert-Brown’s length of absence is uncertain at this stage while he works through the return-to-play protocols.

Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupaea or Highlanders co captain Timoci Tavatavanawai are in line to replace Lienert-Brown on the All Blacks bench.

Losing Tuipulotu‘s experience and consistently powerful contributions is a bigger blow, particularly with two home tests against the Springboks in mind.

This week at least the All Blacks have ample cover after using three locks in their starting team - Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland and Vaa’i - in recent tests.

Liam Napier is a senior sports journalist and rugby correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.