League: Pritchard cleared after scan

TOULOUSE, France - New Zealand second rower Frank has been cleared of any major injury after being taken to hospital following a knock to the head during the Kiwis' 38-22 victory over France in Toulouse this morning (NZ time).

Pritchard was concussed during the encounter.

Team manager Peter Leitch said Pritchard has been x-rayed "from top to toe", and thankfully been given a clean bill of health.

He said Pritchard is staying in hospital overnight for observation, but he will be on the plane back to Manchester with the rest of the team tomorrow.

Leitch said reports out of the UK claiming Jake Webster was also taken to hospital for brain scans were not correct

Coach Brian McLennan earlier said he was unsure if Pritchard and Webster would be fit if the Kiwis qualify for next weekend's Tri-Nations final.

"Two head injuries -- they've gone to hospital and we'll wait and see," he said. "Hopefully, they should be OK."

McLennan was also critical of British referee Karl Kirkpatrick after the game.

"We would have been lucky to have 25 per cent of the ball in the first half, into the third quarter.

"What am I allowed to say about referees? I'll say: I've seen better," he said.

The Kiwis must await the result of Great Britain's clash with Australia tomorrow morning (NZ time) to see if they make the Tri-Nations final. They need Australia to win or draw, or Great Britain to win by more than eight points.

- AAP, NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB