All Blacks winger George Bridge will miss the second Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia after suffering a chest injury that could sideline him for up to six months, the team said on Thursday.
Bridge suffered the injury while training on Wednesday.
"George Bridge will be out of rugby for up to six months after suffering a chest injury in field training yesterday," New Zealand Rugby said.
"He'll be assessed over the next 48 hours to determine the next course of action."
The 25-year-old started on the left wing in the first Bledisloe Cup game last weekend and was likely to have been named again for the second Test.
Caleb Clarke produced an impressive cameo on debut off the bench in the 16-16 draw at Wellington Regional Stadium and could get his first Test start with Bridge ruled out.
Rieko Ioane, who has played 25 of his 30 Tests in the number 11 jersey, could also move to the wing after he started at centre in Wellington, allowing Jack Goodhue and Anton Lienert-Brown to reunite in the midfield.
The All Blacks have spent the week dealing with injuries with experienced lock Sam Whitelock battling concussion symptoms and fly-half Richie Mo'unga dealing with shoulder soreness.
Beauden Barrett was a late withdrawal from last week's game due to an Achilles' injury and assistant coach John Plumtree said he had played a minimal part in training on Wednesday.
The teams for the Auckland Test will be named on Friday.
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Australia play out thrilling draw with All Blacks
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All Blacks fans cheer on their team during the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand and the Australia at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Getty Images -
New Zealand players react after the Bledisloe Cup rugby game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Wellington, New Zealand. The game ended in a 16 all draw. AP Photo -
All Blacks fans cheer on their team during the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand and the Australia at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Getty Images -
Australia's Jake Gordon passes the ball in the tackle of New Zealand's Sam Whitelock during the Bledisloe Cup rugby game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Wellington, New Zealand. AP Photo -
New Zealand's Damian McKenzie (L) tackles Australia's Filipo Daugunu as he scores a try during the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. AFP -
A general view inside the near full capacity Sky Stadium during the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand and the Australia. Getty Images -
New Zealand's George Bridge runs between Australia's Filipo Daugunu, right, and James O'Connor, left, during the Bledisloe Cup rugby game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Wellington, New Zealand. AP Photo -
Wallabies fans cheer on their team during the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand and the Australia at Sky Stadium. Getty Images -
Australia's Nic White (C) kicks the ball during the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. AFP -
Australia fans pose for a picture before the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. AFP -
New Zealand's Patrick Tuipulotu, left, and Australia's Pete Samu compete for lineout ball during the Bledisloe Cup rugby game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Wellington, New Zealand. AP Photo -
New Zealand fans pose for a picture before the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. AFP -
Australia's Marika Koroibete (R) tackles New Zealand's Jordie Barrett as he scores a try during the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. AFP -
New Zealand players perform the haka before the start of the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. AFP -
New Zealand's Ofa Tuungafasi, centre, is assisted by teammate Sam Cane, right, as they run at Australia's Matt To'omua during the Bledisloe Cup rugby game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Wellington, New Zealand. AP Photo -
Rival fans pose for a photo as they arrive at the stadium ahead of during the Bledisloe Cup rugby game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Wellington, New Zealand. AP Photo -
Fans take a selfie as they arrive at the stadium ahead of during the Bledisloe Cup rugby game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Wellington, New Zealand. AP Photo -
TJ Perenara of the All Blacks signals to teammates during the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand and the Australia at Sky Stadium. Getty Images
