The All Blacks may be forced into a late reshuffle of their starting XV after Brodie Retallick limped off the training paddock late this afternoon with a damaged hamstring.
The seriousness of the injury is not yet known and the 22-year-old is likely to be given maximum time to come right given the paucity of experienced locks in the side.
If Retallick is ruled out, Jeremy Thrush will be promoted from the bench to make his test duty. The bigger problem will be picking someone on the bench to be a reserve lock as Romano is the only other fit player that can fill that role.
All Black coach Steve Hansen confirmed earlier in the day that Sam Whitelock is on track to be fit for next week after breaking his finger while playing for the Crusaders. It's possible he could be risked but more likely, Steven Luatua will come onto the bench.
Luatua has extensive experience at lock despite having played all this season at blindside for the Blues.
