All Blacks prop Joe Moody's terrible luck with injury has continued, with the Crusaders front-rower to miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship, after injuring his thumb against the Wallabies last week.
The 29-year-old missed a large portion of Super Rugby this year with a finger injury, but returned to help the red-and-blacks win a second straight title.
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Moody has started all five of the All Blacks test matches in 2018.
Coach Steve Hansen said the loosehead should be back for the Northern Hemsiphere tour in November.
"Moods has had an x-ray, which has revealed a fracture in his left thumb," Hansen said.
"He doesn't need surgery, but will be in a cast for six weeks and unfortunately, he will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship.
"The good news is he'll be back in time for the northern tour to Japan and Europe."
With All Blacks replacement prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen also carrying an injury, Taranaki and Chiefs prop Angus Ta'avao has been called into the squad as a replacement.
Hansen said with Moody injured, fellow All Blacks prop Karl Tu'inukuafe would now cover the loosehead prop position, so the selectors opted to bring in a specialist tighthead.
"Angus had a big season for the Chiefs during the Super Rugby season," Hansen said.
"[He] was part of a very good Chiefs pack and has made big strides on the technical aspects of his position. We look forward to him joining the squad."
The All Blacks' next Rugby Championship test is against Argentina on Saturday, September 8.
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Join us at 7:30pm September 8 for live updates of the All Blacks vs Argentina Rugby Championship clash in Nelson.
