All Blacks stars Aaron Smith and Jordie Barrett are in doubt for New Zealand's first test against Ireland at Auckland's Eden Park on July 2.
The pair were named in coach Ian Foster's squad for the three-match series, but are both currently battling injuries sustained during the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Smith missed the Highlanders' quarter-final loss to the Blues with a groin injury, while Barrett is battling a troublesome knee.
Foster admits they won't know much until the pair link with All Blacks camp, but concedes they could sit out the series-opener in Auckland.
"[Smith's] groin is still a bit niggly," he said. "Him and Jordie are both 50/50, but we won't know for sure, until we get our hands on him.
"It's going to be borderline for the first test."
Smith is almost a certain starter, as the most experienced halfback named in Foster's squad, with five-test All Black Finlay Christie and the uncapped Folau Fakatava the other two selected.
But with Smith in doubt, Christie may be promoted to the starting XV, providing a likely debut for the highly regarded Fakatava.
The Highlanders halfback has only recently become eligible for selection, after World Rugby introduced new rules that would allow the Tongan-born player to represent New Zealand.
While Barrett is by no means a guarantee for the fullback spot in the run-on side, with Will Jordan in imposing form for the Crusaders, his versatility would be sorely missed.
Foster did confirm that lock Sam Whitelock and flanker Dalton Papalii should be good to go for the first test, with the latter even a chance to play for the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Crusaders on Saturday.
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