New Zealand rest Patrick Tuipulotu for game against Fiji

New Zealand have rested veteran Patrick Tuipulotu for the upcoming Test against Fiji to be played at SnapDragon Stadium in San Diego on Saturday.

Tuipulotu already sustained knee and ankle injuries during the Super Rugby Pacific and played both the matches against England in the recently concluded series which the All Blacks went on to win 2-0.

New Zealand attack coach Leon MacDonald said Tuipulotu has been handed a rest after a couple of grueling games against Steve Borthwick's men.

“We’ve got a full squad bar Patrick Tuipulotu,” said MacDonald.

“Patty’s was a decision around his fitness in terms of his body, his return into the [Super Rugby Pacific] final with a knee [injury], he rolled his ankle during that game and then two massive efforts against a really physical England pack. We just feel we need to look after him a little bit.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has called up uncapped lock Sam Darry for the game against Fiji to be played on Saturday.

MacDonald also revealed that Caleb Clarke has been declared fit after recovering from a rib injury.