Experienced All Blacks lock Brad Thorn has been ruled out of Sunday's rugby international against Ireland after failing to recover from a hamstring strain.

Thorn's quest to reach the 50-Test milestone was delayed after he failed a fitness test on Thursday.

He has been replaced in the starting line-up by Anthony Boric, while Sam Whitelock has been promoted to the bench.

Thorn suffered the injury during training on Tuesday - it is not considered serious but medical staff decided it would be in Thorn's best interests to rest in a bid to be fit for the tour finale against Wales in Cardiff next weekend.

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