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Hogg to see specialist over cheekbone injury
Stuart Hogg could become the first major casualty of the British and Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand as he awaits specialist advice on a cheekbone injury.
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Hogg sustained the injury in Saturday’s 12-3 win over Super Rugby leaders Crusaders when he collided with team-mate Conor Murray chasing his own kick.
Ireland’s Jared Payne will move from centre to full-back when the Lions take on Highlanders on Tuesday. Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Elliot Daly are Warren Gatland’s other current options at 15.
Gatland kept his cards close to his chest regarding Hogg’s condition on Sunday.
“With Stuart Hogg, we’re getting a specialist to have a look at that cheek of his, to get some idea in the next 24 to 48 hours in terms of how serious an injury that is,” said Gatland.
“We’re hoping he’ll be okay but we’re just getting someone more qualified than me to assess that.”
Dan Biggar (concussion) and Sam Warburton (ankle) will return against Highlanders, but Ross Moriarty is out with a back strain.
đ° TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT | @samwarburton_ returns to lead the Lions against @Highlanders#HIGvBIL info âĄď¸https://t.co/cxdkqLbkhj #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/VU7ckFDw6a
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 11, 2017
Warburton has missed the Lions’ last two matches and Gatland has said the skipper could play back-to-back with a contest against the Maori All Blacks to come at the weekend.
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“I probably only missed one or two sessions, so my preparation hasn’t changed a whole lot,” said Warburton.
“I was hoping to get involved in this game. I’ve always said I think I need a couple of games to get up and running, so I’ll be better on Tuesday.”