At the end of the Six Nations, many were confidently predicting these two in their Test team.
When Robbie Henshaw and George North arrived in New Zealand, four short/long [depending how you look at it] weeks ago, many would still have pencilled the pair in for inside centre and winger roles against the All Blacks.
Instead, both Henshaw and North will watch the Second Test against the world champions in Wellington this weekend before flying home to receive treatment.
In a tour where the Lions have been relatively fortunate with injuries, the Irish- and Welshman were both injured in the final midweek match. It was not clear from watching the game that North had sustained serious hamstring damage but Henshaw’s injury did not look good.
Robbie Henshaw injured tackling Vaea Fifita
Played on until that Seymour try. Off injured now. pic.twitter.com/R6Q4BwCM7o— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) June 27, 2017
A statement from the Lions reads:
‘Robbie Henshaw and George North have been ruled out of the rest of the British & Irish Lions Tour due to injuries suffered against the Hurricanes.
‘Henshaw suffered a torn pectoral muscle and North a hamstring tear. Both will return home this weekend for further treatment.’
Given the fact that there are still 43 fit squad members in New Zealand and there are no midweek games left, there are unlikely to be any late call-ups.
An hour after the players’ bad news was confirmed, Warren Gatland named his squad for the Second Test against New Zealand. There are three changes to the starting XV, with Johnny Sexton, Maro Itoje and Sam Warburton all coming in.
