Scott Barrett is thought to be ruled out of the All Blacks' deciding third test against Ireland in Wellington today.
After starting at lock in the second-test defeat in Dunedin last week, Barrett did not train fully on Tuesday at the Hutt Recreation Ground in Lower Hutt due to what is thought to be a knee injury.
The Crusaders captain was, however, named to start at blindside on Thursday before the All Blacks' main training session of the week where he may have aggravated the injury.
The All Blacks declined to comment on Friday when approached by the Herald about Barrett's fitness.
Blues loose forward Akira Ioane is expected to be promoted to start at blindside and Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i, who returned from Covid this week, will come onto the bench to provide cover for Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick.