Injured All Black Ellis goes home

Highlights - Scotland 6-32 New Zealand

Scrum-half Andy Ellis has been ruled out of New Zealand's tour of Europe after suffering a rib injury during the 32-6 win against Scotland in Edinburgh.

Ellis came on as a second-half replacement for Piri Weepu at Murrayfield but lasted only 20 minutes.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said: "A scan has confirmed he has an unstable rib and there is a risk of further injury if Andy continues playing."

Wellington's Alby Mathewson is likely to be called in as a replacement.

Earlier this season Ellis suffered another rib injury that ruled him out of this year's Tri-Nations.

He also had to overcome a knee cartilage problem, which he sustained during the latter stages of Canterbury's Air New Zealand Cup campaign, to make the trip to the northern hemisphere.

Ellis is the second player to have his tour cut short following hooker Andrew Hore's early departure with an ankle injury after the Test against Australia in Hong Kong.

The All Blacks play Ireland on 15 November, before facing Wales a week later and then England on 29 November.