Concussion tests continue for David Smith

Taranaki wing David Smith will undergo further concussion tests in the next two days before he is cleared to play Counties-Manukau on Sunday.

Smith was knocked out when his head hit the ground after a high tackle from Auckland's Peter Saili during Taranaki's 27-13 national championship loss at Eden Park last Sunday.

The 23-year-old left the field with a bleeding nose but appeared to recover quickly from the knock.

He failed his first concussion test on Tuesday, although he passed three of the four test requirements.

Smith trained freely with the Taranaki side yesterday afternoon and assistant coach Leo Crowley was confident he would be passed fit for Sunday's match at Yarrow Stadium.

Only a small number of players sat out training yesterday, with wing Andre Taylor excused from the heavy contact session after he fractured a finger against Auckland. He will play on Sunday, though.

The squad moved away from the training field on Tuesday, opting instead for a bike session at a local gym before they went 10-pin bowling.

It was back to the physical work yesterday, with the side concentrating on attacking the breakdown in numbers, something they failed to do against Auckland.

The forwards then had a lengthy scrum session with former Hurricanes scrum coach Greg Feek, who has returned from a stint in England.

Tenderlink Taranaki coach Colin Cooper is to name his side to play Counties-Manukau tomorrow.

- © Fairfax NZ News