Blair, Kahu injured in Leeds win

New Zealand pair Adam Blair and Jordan Kahu picked up injuries in the Kiwis 34-16 win over Leeds Rhinos and could be in danger of missing the first Test.

Co-captain Blair had a calf complaint and was forced off the field. Debutant Kahu injured his groin and did not return for the second half.

According to reports, the injury to Brisbane Broncos forward Blair is the more serious of the two.

If Blair is unavailable to face England in Hull it would leave hooker Isaac Luke as sole captain.

“Jordy had a bit of a sore groin during the warm-up – he went out and played the first half but we didn’t want to take any risks,” Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney said.

New Zealand started slowly at Headingley with the Rhinos full of running and spark. The rusty Kiwis came into their own in the second half and laid on a barrage of tries.

Utility Kodi Nikorima replaced Luke in the second half and the back-up hooker helped spark New Zealand. He may be pushing for a spot in Kearney’s 17, especially as halves pairing Peta Hiku and Tui Lolohea struggled to make an impact.

Luke and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck were standouts for New Zealand, while centre Joel Moon bagged a double for the Rhinos.