The All Blacks have been ravaged by a stomach virus just days before their final Test of the year against England.

Nineteen players of the 34 man extended squad and some management staff have been affected by the bug which team doctor Deb Robinson believes is a norovirus.

Vomiting and diarrhoea kept the sick confined to their rooms, spending the majority of their day off either in bed or in the bathroom.

The 24 hour bug initially struck while the side was in Wales and that had continued on through the week as more players fell ill.

Many of those affected are already on the improve however and the squad were hopeful of a full recovery before Sunday's Twickenham showdown.

The All Blacks will meet England at 3:30am Sunday.

Story by: Akuila Cama
Source: Radio NZ