Midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of the All Blacks' June test series against France.
The 32-year-old has aggravated an old knee injury, with Blues medical staff discovering a loose piece of bone in the joint.
Williams will undergo keyhole surgery on Friday and is set to be out of all rugby for several weeks, and will be unable to train for at least four.
His status for the Blues match against the Rebels on Saturday had been deemed questionable through the week and he may now be in danger of sitting the remainder of their Super Rugby season.
The All Blacks midfield stocks will be tested by Williams' absence, with fellow incumbent Ryan Crotty also under a concussion cloud that has sidleined him for the Crusaders.
The most likely pairing at this stage would be any combination of Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue and Ngani Laumape.
Coach Steve Hansen also has the versatility of Rieko Ioane and Jordie Barrett to call upon, if required.
Either way, they'll be seeking to replace Williams in their 33-man squad. Highlanders centre Rob Thompson and the Chiefs Charlie Ngatai could be two likely candidates.
Instead, they may also opt to bring in another outside back, which could open the door for Hurricanes stand-out Ben Lam or even the added versatility of Blues winger Matt Duffie.
The All Blacks management is expected to provide an update on Monday.
Newshub.
