Wales have called Scarlets utility back Rhys Patchell and Ospreys wing Keelan Giles to New Zealand as injury cover as fears grow that George North is out of the tour.
North hobbled off during Wales’ 39-21 defeat at Eden Park and the initial prognosis does not look good for the British & Irish Lions star.
Patchell, 23, has two Wales caps, both earned on the 2013 summer tour to Japan. Giles, 18, is currently part of Wales’ U20 Championship squad competing in Manchester.
Coach Warren Gatland said: “George has a hamstring injury and we’ll assess him tomorrow (Sunday) to see if he’ll be able to play a further part in the tour.
“It’s very disappointing because I thought George was outstanding today and his battle with Waisake Naholo was a great part of the game.”
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen added: “I went into the Welsh dressing afterwards and it looks like North has pulled a hamstring and won’t be playing next week which is disappointing for him.”
Giles was due to play for Wales U-20 against Georgia in Manchester on Saturday afternoon, but was replaced by Newport Gwent Dragons’ Jared Rosser following his call-up.
Wales have already called up scrum-half Aled Davies and prop Aaron Jarvis for Lloyd Williams and Paul James.
Williams suffered an ankle injury in training while Ospreys prop James has failed to recover from a calf problem.
