Fresh doubts over star All Blacks forward after starting return cut short

There are fresh concerns over All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax after his premature exit from the pitch during the Rugby World Cup clash against Uruguay.

The tighthead prop was forced off just nine minutes into New Zealand’s final pool stage match against Uruguay with a suspected knee issue.

Lomax in doubt

Lomax sustained a nasty gash on his leg during the warm-up match against South Africa at Twickenham before the World Cup.

He required 30 stitches on that leg and subsequently missed the opening two games of the tournament. He made his return off the pitch in the comprehensive 96-17 victory over Italy but looks to have suffered another setback.

While the All Blacks prop was heavily strapped around where he had the gash, he was icing the inside of his thigh while on the sidelines.

The tighthead is usually the first-choice starter for New Zealand, and his absence for a potential quarter-final against Ireland will be a massive blow.

Scrum coach Greg Feek sang the front-rower’s praises for his performance against Italy.

“I thought he was outstanding after the time he’s had off and the fact that he couldn’t bend his leg,” Feek said.

“Our medical and strength and conditioning staff have done a fantastic job because you’ll know how deep the cut was.

“Getting him back and giving him the confidence to have that knee do everything it needed to, the progression they structured was world-class.

“His performance was great for what he’s been through.”

Fletcher Newell replaced Lomax in the first half against Uruguay, and the Crusaders prop has impressed when given the opportunity.

Toulouse-bound tighthead Nepo Laulala will likely come into the starting XV if Lomax is ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Tamaiti Williams has been used mostly on the loosehead side but can also switch to tighthead if needed.

De Groot boost

The All Blacks will get a boost in the front-row before the quarters, with loosehead prop Ethan de Groot set to return to the starting line-up.

The Highlanders prop will have served his ban after his red card in the 71-3 victory over Namibia in New Zealand’s second match of the tournament.

READ MORE: Rugby World Cup permutations: Drama loading in the race for knockouts