The Wallabies have been dealt a huge injury blow with reports playmaker Matt To'omua will miss the Rugby Championship.
The second-five left the field midway through the first-half during the All Blacks 27-7 second test win at Eden Park on Sunday.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports To'omua has suffered a severe groin tear and his season is over.
The 30-year-old had formed a strong combination with first-five James O'Connor in the first test and the drop in performance from the Australian No.10 was noticeable on Sunday once To'omua departed.
Australian coach Dave Rennie is pushed for options at second-five with rookie Irae Simone the only like-for-like replacement .
The former Chiefs mentor could push the impressive Hunter Paisami inside, allowing the dynamic Jordan Petaia to start in the No.13 jersey.
The All Blacks and Wallabies will open the slimmed-down Rugby Championship on October 31 at Sydney's ANZ Stadium - Australia must win to force a Bledisloe Cup decider two weeks later.
Coach Ian Foster has his own potential absences to deal with as the team plans its trip across the Tasman.
Loose-forward Ardie Savea and prop Nepo Laulala could miss the opening test with both on paternity leave.
Crusaders prop George Bower and Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi have been added to the travelling 36-man squad as cover.
