Flynn’s tour over with fractured arm

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Corey Flynn has become the latest casualty of the All Blacks' season-ending tour, being forced home with a fractured arm.

Flynn suffered the injury in the All Blacks' 18-16 win over Munster in Limerick on Wednesday.

He was then named a day later on the reserves bench for this Sunday's test against Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

However, X-rays following ongoing pain in the limb have revealed a season-ending fracture.

Flynn played on after injuring his arm, unaware he had sustained such serious damage.

"Corey complained of soreness yesterday (Wednesday) and an X-ray in Cardiff yesterday evening confirmed that he has suffered a fracture to his left forearm," All Black doctor Deb Robinson said.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the injury to Flynn would see Hikawera Elliot move to the bench for the test against Wales.

Elliot made his Al Black debut off the bench against Munster, eventually replacing Flynn last in the game.

A decision on whether or not a replacement hooker was needed for the remainder of the tour would be made following the Wales test.

Elliot himself was an early tour replacement, flying to the UK after Andrew Hore was forced out of the tour with an ankle injury.

A week later third-choice halfback Andy Ellis was forced home with rib damage.

Meanwhile, Tony Woodcock has been confirmed to start the test at loose-head prop.

Neemia Tialata is expected to start at tight-head after struggling with a viral infection earlier in the week.

All Blacks versus Wales: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hikawera Elliot, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava