All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane has been ruled out of Sunday's second Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies at Cooper Catch Park, due to injury.
Hours before the match, the All Blacks confirmed Ioane, who started last week's 16-16 draw in Wellington, but was moved to the bench for the second test game, has failed to overcome a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Hurricanes midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen.
Umaga-Jensen had trained with the All Blacks earlier in the week and was released to play in the Mitre 10 Cup for Wellington, but Ioane's injury meant he was recalled by coach Ian Foster.
The 22-year-old will take Ioane's place on the bench and if he gets on the field, will play his first All Blacks test. Prop Alex Hodgman is also in line to make his debut off the bench.
The All Blacks were forced to make two late changes last week, with fullback Beauden Barrett and replacement prop Nepo Laulala ruled out, after they were initially named in the squad.
Despite the disruptions, All Blacks captain Sam Cane said he had been pleased with his team's approach this week, after they were criticised for a lack of intensity against the Wallabies in the first game.
"We know where we stand after last week and we know where we need to be better," says Cane.
"I think we can make some real shifts when it comes to our carry and clean-out work, and I think we can get off the defensive line a bit quicker and belt them there too.
"That's test match footy in a nutshell - physicality, intensity. As a forward pack, that's where we have to step up and deliver."
Cane adds that last week's result did not increase the pressure on the team, who have held the symbol of trans-Tasman supremacy since 2003.
"We're well aware there's lots of pressure on, but there always is with test matches," he adds. "There was lots on last week too.
"We're just focused on what we can control."
Reuters
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