Patrick Tuipulotu's New Zealand hopes dealt blow as Blues drop lock over late show

Patrick Tuipulotu was dropped from the Blues’ squad on the eve of Wednesday's clash, having failed to notify the coaches he would be late for training.

The lock has already flirted with controversy. In February it was revealed he had tested positive for a banned substance during the All Blacks’ autumn tour of Europe but was later cleared after a second sample came back negative.

The 12-cap All Black was already an outsider to make the Test squad to face the Lions and today’s developments could finally put paid to his hopes. New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen names his series squad on Thursday and has a number of concerns.

First-choice hooker Dane Coles has been out with concussion since March 18 and was expected to miss the Hurricanes’ match with the Chiefs at the weekend. Stand-out lock Brodie Retallick is also out with headaches.