All Black team manager Andrew Martin yesterday blamed Craig Dowd for the prop's having to pull out of the squad to tour Japan, France and Italy.
An old back injury saw Dowd withdraw yesterday. He has been replaced by Carl Hoeft, the Otago tighthead prop.
Martin said Dowd had aggravated his back injury in the NPC semifinal against Wellington, a match in which he should not have played.
He said the injury had deprived the All Blacks of an experienced player.
"This is a clear consequence of a player playing when he was not fully fit," Martin said. "We now suffer nationally the consequences of that decision.
"We've got to be responsible about bringing injured players back into the game. As professional administrators and as professional players, we've got to understand the broader responsibility for player fitness and welfare.
"It's frustrating. It means we cannot now travel with our first-choice line-up.
"Dowd was [in the All Black team] for a very specific reason - he can genuinely play both sides [of the scrum], he's a senior pro, he has toured France before and there was much he had to offer this team.
"We are bitterly disappointed that we are now not able to take him. And he himself made the decision to play in that match [against Wellington]."
Dowd could not be reached for comment.
The All Black management did not consult Dowd or check his injury before naming him in the touring squad, but had been aware of his back problem.
The All Blacks leave on Monday.
Hoeft, who had lost his place and was named in the New Zealand A squad, said he was sorry for Dowd but delighted to regain his place in the side.
"I know I didn't play well enough to deserve selection and I'm lucky to win this reprieve," he said.
"Otago didn't do too well in the NPC, but my form is not their fault.
"I didn't get picked because I didn't play well enough.
"But the selectors have given me a lifeline and I have to make sure I repay that faith."
Hoeft's place in the NZ A team has been taken by Auckland's Nick White. The A side play four matches - in France, Wales and Romania - next month.
-NZPA
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