All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has all but confirmed winger Israel Dagg will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The 29-year-old first hurt his knee for the Crusaders in early March and required an operation, only returning to the field in late May.
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He went on to play all three British and Irish Lions Tests, but then missed the first two Bledisloe Cup victories over the Wallabies. He then returned against the Pumas in New Plymouth last week, only to be subbed off early in the second half.
Hansen admitted today that it is very unlikely he would be back this season.
"I'd say he'll need some time out of the game," Hansen said.
"It sounds like there's some cartilage surface damage to the knee that needs a bit of rest. Doc is pretty confident if he gets the rest he'll be fine so it probably means he'll be out for the rest of the year."
The All Blacks will confirm their 28-man squad that will travel to Argentina and South Africa on Monday.
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