KEY POINTS:
DUBLIN - All Blacks fullback Mils Muliania's preparations for Sunday's (NZT) match against Ireland have been disrupted after learning his baby son is in hospital for a check-up after being diagnosed with a heart defect.
Muliaina joined the All Blacks' end-of-year-tour belatedly last weekend aware baby Max was born with a hole in the heart.
Medical specialists have assured him the condition was common and treatable but Muliaina, 29, said it has been difficult being so far away from home.
He has been in regular contact with his wife, Hayley, and learned yesterday the boy had returned to hospital, if only for a standard check-up.
"He's been back in hospital, he has to go back in for a check-up twice a week. He's not doing too bad I suppose," Muliaina said at an All Blacks media session today.
He joined the tour with his wife's blessing after missing the tests against Australia and Scotland, but acknowledged he was feeling conflicted.
"We thought it was best for me to come over and play some rugby ... but it's hard not to think about it when there's just my wife back home trying to look after him and stuff like that.
"She's looking forward to a holiday when I get back. The timing will be just right so I'll be doing a lot of work when I get back there," he said.
- NZPA
