The All Blacks have been handed another injury blow with prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi being ruled out of the upcoming South African tour.
The 47-test prop sustained a neck injury in the third test against Ireland in Wellington and will remain in New Zealand when the squad travels to South Africa, the All Blacks confirmed on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old will continue to work on his recovery, with a goal of returning when the All Blacks meet Argentina in Christchurch next month.
Tu'ungafasi joins the list of All Blacks who will not travel to South Africa, which includes Brodie Retallick, Jack Goodhue and fellow Blues prop Nepo Laulala.
Uncapped Crusaders tighthead Fletcher Newell has been called in to travel with the squad as a replacement player.