Richie Mo'unga has been recalled to the All Blacks squad, only to be immediately ruled out of their opening November international against Scotland.
The 32-year-old fly-half was named in Dave Rennie's 36-man squad for the Nations Championship on Monday.
However, Mo'unga will miss the trip to Murrayfield on November 7 as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
The setback comes after he suffered a calf tear in training ahead of New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia.
Rennie confirms Mo'unga absence
Despite his return to the squad, Rennie has made it clear that Mo'unga will not be rushed back into action.
The All Blacks boss confirmed the experienced playmaker is making good progress and could return against Wales on November 14.
His absence leaves Damian McKenzie and uncapped Josh Jacomb as the specialist fly-half options for Scotland, with Beauden Barrett also capable of playing at number ten.
Mo'unga is one of several big names returning to the squad, alongside Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ethan Blackadder.
However, New Zealand remain without captain Ardie Savea, Caleb Clarke and Luke Jacobson through injury.
The All Blacks face Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends before the Nations Championship finals in London.
All Blacks squad for November 2026
All Blacks Head Coach Dave Rennie has named the All Blacks squad alongside selectors, Sir Graham Henry and Senior Assistant Coach Neil Barnes.
Forwards (20)
Hookers: Codie Taylor (captain), Asafo Aumua, George Bell.
Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Saula Ma'u.
Locks: Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Jamie Hannah, Tupou Vaa'i.
Back row: Anton Segner, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.
Backs (16)
Scrum-halves: Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Cortez Ratima.
Fly-halves: Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb.
Centres: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Outside backs: Rieko Ioane, Chay Fihaki, Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett.
Players unavailable through injury
Samisoni Taukei'aho (calf), Shannon Frizell (knee), Tyrel Lomax (neck), Leroy Carter (ankle), Ruben Love (ankle), Ardie Savea (shoulder), Luke Jacobson (elbow), Caleb Clarke (shoulder), Ollie Norris (knee).
Simon Parker is unavailable for personal reasons.
ALL BLACKS SELECTOR: Pick your starting XV
Richie Mo'unga may miss the Scotland clash, but who would make your strongest All Blacks XV for November?
Now it's your turn to play selector. Choose your starting team from Dave Rennie's squad and see how your picks compare with fellow fans.
Pick your All Blacks XV
