RugbyU: Wales wing North out of New Zealand series

Wellington:  Wales star wing George North was ruled out of the All Blacks series on Monday, denting the tourists` hopes of a historic first win against the world champions on New Zealand soil.

North pulled up lame with a hamstring injury late in Wales` 39-21 first Test loss in Auckland and subsequent examinations confirmed his tour was over.

"North suffered a hamstring injury in the first Test in Auckland, ruling him out of Wales` remaining games," the team said in a statement.

Coach Warren Gatland already has a replacement flying out to New Zealand in the form of teen sensation Giles Keenan, who is accompanied by pivot Rhys Patchell as further backline cover.

The 24-year-old North was a standout in the opening Test and his departure adds to Wales` mounting injury toll.

Scrum-half Aled Davies arrived in New Zealand a few hours ahead of the first Test to replace Lloyd Williams who suffered an ankle injury in training and will not recover in time for the remaining games.

Prop Aaron Jarvis also had to rush to New Zealand last week after Paul James who was sidelined by a calf injury.

Even before the tour began, Wales were forced to leave behind flankers Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric as well as wing Alex Cuthbert because of injuries.

Wales have not defeated the All Blacks since 1953 and have never beaten them in New Zealand.
The second of three Tests takes place in Wellington on Saturday.