- New Zealand captain Ardie Savea will miss the remainder of the year after undergoing surgery for a dislocated shoulder sustained during the third Test against South Africa.
- Savea's injury means he is set to be ruled out of the All Blacks' Nations Championship fixtures against Scotland, Wales and England taking place in November.
- The team faces further severe injury setbacks with back rower Luke Jacobson sidelined for over four months following elbow tendon surgery, alongside wing Caleb Clarke who will also miss the northern tour.
- Centres Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor remain additional injury doubts for the start of November due to knee and shoulder issues respectively.
- Following a 3-1 defeat to South Africa in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, New Zealand next face Australia in a two-match home and away Bledisloe Cup series in October.
IN FULL
