All Blacks head clash raises concerns over concussion testing

A french Rugby player has been left with a facial fracture.
A french Rugby player has been left with a facial fracture. Photo credit: Photosport

A double-tackle which left France wing Remy Grosso with a double facial fracture is raising concerns over concussion testing.

Three players clashed heads in Saturday's test at Eden Park, but only one was immediately taken off for a head injury assessment.

Replays show Remy Grosso in the middle of a double tackle, first by Sam Cane then compounded by Ofa Tu'ungafasi.

Grosso was taken off to hospital with facial injuries but Cane and Tu'ungafasi were allowed to continue despite an obvious clash.

The head injury assessment (HIA), combines cognitive, balance and memory tests. It was adopted by World Rugby in 2015 to protect players when it's unclear if they have a suspected concussion.

But Cane was allowed to play on for a further five minutes before being taken off for assessment.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen thought both players were okay to continue.

"Doc's assessed both of them and he thought they were okay," he said.

"Then obviously the guy on the sideline wanted to have a look at Sam [Cane] so checked him out and he was okay."

Sports-related concussion researcher Doug King says players are being put at risk if they're not given an immediate assessment.

"The potential for second impact, the potential for long-term consequences, is when the brain is vulnerable," he explained.

"So if it is concussed and you do take a whack to the head, then there's a likelihood that you could die or end up with life-long problems."

It's the first match of the test season, and medics hope it's also an early reminder of the dangers of head knocks.

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