All Blacks' Blair ruled out of World Cup

New Zealand fullback Ben Blair has been ruled out of the World Cup with a serious neck injury and will be sent home.

New Zealand fullback Ben Blair has been ruled out of the World Cup with a serious neck injury and will be sent home.

Blair (24), a late withdrawal from the replacements bench in Friday's 68-6 pool D victory over Canada, will be replaced by Auckland utility back Ben Atiga.

Team manager Tony Thorpe said Blair had a prolapsed disc in his neck.

"In the best interests of Ben and the team he has been withdrawn," said Thorpe.

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"It is not career threatening and so that does not mean he needs surgery but that may be an option further down the track.

"We just don't know whether he will be right in two weeks time or two months time."

Blair had complained of a sore neck after training and had a scan on Friday, which confirmed the injury.

"He is disappointed. (But) we he was pretty well prepared for it," said Thorpe.