Crusaders powerhouse Leicester Fainga'anuku has become the latest casualty of the All Blacks' northern tour, returning home from Tokyo for "family reasons".
The two-test winger was probably in line for another cap against Japan on Saturday, but now appears to be out of the tour altogether, with selectors believed to be deliberating over a replacement player.
Assistant coach Scott McLeod has confirmed his departure.
"Not having been a selector, I know they're talking about that," he said. "They want to make a good and considered decision there, but I'm sure that announcement will come reasonably soon."
McLeod indicates the winger is not expected to rejoin the tour.
Fainga'anuku, 23, was a star performer in the Crusaders' Super Rugby Pacific triumph this year and became All Black No. 1200, when he debuted against Ireland at Auckland's Eden Park.
His second appearance at Dunedin was marred by a yellow card for contacting the head of Irish counterpart Mack Hansen, while trying to charge down a kick, quickly followed by another to prop Ofa Tuungafasi for taking out an opponent off the ball.
Reduced to 13 men, the All Blacks regained the services of Fainga'anuku, but then lost replacement prop Angus Ta'avao - and, by extension, No.8 Ardie Savea - for the rest of the match, after a head clash with Irish centre Garry Ringrose. New Zealand fell to Ireland for the first time on home soil and went on to lose the three-test series.
While Fainga'anuku fell from favour after that performance, he was likely one of the fringe contenders coach Ian Foster hoped to see in action again on the upcoming four-match itinerary.
The 35-man touring squad has already taken a hit, with several players not making the plane to Tokyo last week. All three Barrett brothers - Beauden, Scott and Jordie - have remained with their family, mourning the death of their grandmother.
Veteran lock Sam Whitelock and winger Will Jordan have picked up ear infections, but while they're expected to rejoin the campaign, halfback Folau Fakatava faces an extended recovery, after rupturing a knee ligament.
Damian McKenzie, Patrick Tuipulotu and Brad Weber have already been summoned as replacements, while Asofa Aumua will cover veteran hooker Dane Coles' niggly calf.
Join us for live updates of the All Blacks' northern tour, starting 6:50pm Saturday against Japan
