Tongan second rower Eli Katoa has thanked well wishers from his hospital bed after copping three head knocks during the loss to the Kiwis at Eden Park

The 25-year-old needed urgent medical attention on the sideline during the second half.

He required an oxygen mask and a St John medi-cab to move from the bench.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf insists correct head injury assessment protocols were followed.

Katoa passed a pre-match HIA after copping the first blow during warm-ups.

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