The All Blacks have notched another win at the Rugby World Cup, this time over rules around head injury assessments following a sideline wrangle during their opening win over the Springboks.

Flanker Sam Cane wasn’t allowed back on the field after passing his test for concussion symptoms, raising the ire of the three-time world champions following their 23-13 victory in Yokohama.

A groggy-looking Cane was instructed to undergo an HIA during halftime by the independent match doctor and a total of 15 minutes passed before he could return.

Regulations say the maximum time any HIA-tested player can be off the field is 10 minutes.

The timing of Cane’s test began as soon he started a long walk to the testing room some distance from the changing sheds.

It was a satisfied New Zealand coach Steve Hansen who told journalists on Sunday that World Rugby had addressed the rule and changed it.

“We’ve had a notification that they’re going to modify the time-keeping so instead of it happening when they say there’s going to be a test, the clock doesn’t start until you get to the actual room itself,” Hansen said.

“Last night Sam …had to go to the other side of the stadium basically and then do the test so it wasn’t any fault of his.

“We’re here to look after the athlete so they’ve modified it which is great; good response. They’ve shown good leadership and changed it.”

Immediately after the win, Hansen had vented his frustration at losing the services of an experienced player for 40 minutes, although he was delighted with how the team adapted, including reserve forward Patrick Tuipulotu.