The All Blacks' first-five injury dramas have continued with debutant Tom Taylor ruled out for three weeks with a rib injury after Saturday night's 27-16 win over Australia in Wellington.
Taylor made a promising debut in the No10 jersey as New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup but left the field in the final stages of the match and All Black coach Steve Hansen confirmed yesterday the player would spend three weeks on ice.
Luckily for Hansen, the All Blacks have a week off in the Rugby Championship this weekend and next take the field against Argentina in Hamilton on September 7.
Pivots Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett, who both missed Saturday's test with calf problems, are likely to be fit to meet the Pumas but Colin Slade will stay with the squad as a precaution when they reassemble in Hamilton on Saturday. First-five Aaron Cruden (knee) remains out.
"They trained [last week] well - Crudes didn't but the other two did so they are where we would expect them to be and the doctor is reasonably comfortable that they will be all right," Hansen said.
