All Blacks: Jane in doubt for tour opener

Cory Jane of the All Blacks is tackled by Drew Mitchell and David Pocock of the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks wing Cory Jane is in doubt for the Grand Slam tour opener against England at Twickenham on Sunday (NZT) after suffering a chest injury during last night's Bledisloe Cup defeat to Australia.

Jane had to be replaced in the 52nd minute of the Wallabies 26-24 victory at Hong Kong Stadium after copping a heavy blow to the left side of his chest wall.

He underwent scans after the match that revealed the injury was soft tissue only though All Blacks medical staff suggested Jane was still unlikely to be available this weekend.

An automatic choice in the All Blacks line-up, team management will be relieved Jane's medical assessment did not find serious damage.

The All Blacks already have to deal with the unavailability of Sitiveni Sivivatu - the 43-cap veteran was ruled out of the tour with a knee injury.

When Sivivatu's withdrawal was confirmed, All Blacks head coach Graham Henry said a replacement would not initially be necessary because Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Hosea Gear and Isaia Toeava covered that position.

Auckland utility back Toeava replaced Jane last night with mixed success so Gear may be in the frame for his third test cap.

- NZPA