Sitiveni Sivivatu has been ruled out of the All Blacks’ tour to Europe with a knee injury.
Graham Henry’s men are due to take on Wales in the final Invesco Perpetual Series Test at the end of November.
But they will be without the 43-times-capped wing who has bagged three tries in two games against Wales.
The devastating attacker had fought back from a five-month lay-off due to shoulder surgery but picked up the knee injury training with Waikato.
“Siti had a scan in Hamilton on Friday which revealed that a bony fragment had come loose in his left knee,” said Dr Deb Robinson, the All Blacks team doctor.
“He will see an orthopaedic surgeon over the weekend and may require an arthroscopy.”
“It’s hugely disappointing for Siti to suffer another injury straight after recovering from his shoulder surgery,” added former Wales and current New Zealand boss Henry.
“The whole All Blacks squad feels for him and we wish him all the best as he recovers from his latest setback.”
Henry has not called-up a replacement into with Joe Rokocoko, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear in the squad as well as Isaia Toeava also available to provide cover.
Tickets are currently still available for all four of Wales’ Invesco Perpetual Series matches against Australia (Sat 6 Nov 2.30pm), South Africa (Sat 13 Nov 2.30pm), Fiji (Friday 19 Nov 7.30pm) and New Zealand (Sat 27 Nov 5.15pm).
Ticket-only packages are available in Thomas Cook and Going Places stores around Wales and the UK.
Tickets are also available online by clicking here by phoning 08442 777888 or by calling into the WRU’s cafe/store, The Cardiff Arms, 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff.
