The All Blacks have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the Nations Championship, with three forwards ruled out of the Northern Series.
Tyrel Lomax, Shannon Frizell and Samisoni Taukei'aho will all miss the trip north.
It leaves New Zealand short of options up front, just days before their squad is named on Tuesday, 27 October.
Three All Blacks ruled out
Tyrel Lomax – Neck injury
The powerful prop continues to struggle with a neck disc injury dating back to the Super Rugby season.
Lomax will remain in New Zealand for treatment and recovery. No return date has been confirmed.
Shannon Frizell – Knee injury
Frizell suffered a PCL rupture in his left knee during the Sydney Test.
The back-row forward faces around six weeks on the sidelines, ruling him out of the Northern Series.
Samisoni Taukei'aho – Calf injury
The hooker also picked up an injury during the Sydney Test.
Taukei'aho suffered a calf tear and faces between four and six weeks out.
His absence is another blow to New Zealand's forward depth.
Full All Blacks injury list
The following players have been confirmed as unavailable for the Northern Series:
Full confirmed list – nine players ruled out:
- Ardie Savea – Shoulder injury.
- Luke Jacobson – Elbow tendon injury.
- Caleb Clarke – Shoulder injury.
- Ruben Love – Ankle injury.
- Ollie Norris – Knee injury.
- Leroy Carter – High ankle injury, underwent surgery.
- Tyrel Lomax – Neck disc injury.
- Shannon Frizell – Left knee PCL rupture.
- Samisoni Taukei'aho – Calf tear.
Further injury doubts:
- Richie Mo'unga – Calf injury.
- Quinn Tupaea – Concussion.
- Will Jordan – Calf complaint.
- Jordie Barrett – Calf tightness
