Joe Moody has been ruled out for the rest of the 2017 after dislocating his shoulder during the All Blacks 39-22 win over Argentina in New Plymouth.
Moody played one of his best games for the All Blacks against the Pumas, adding a strong running game to his dominant scrum ability.
With Moody out, Chiefs prop Kane Hames will join the squad to replace the 28-year-old.
Hames has played two Tests for the All Blacks, both against Australia.
"As I said last night, he dislocated his shoulder and will need an operation," Hansen confirmed on Sunday.
"He will be out for six months."
The All Blacks prop stocks will now be tested with Owen Franks also out for the remainder of the season, while Charlie Faumuina is unavailable, having recently moved to France.
Despite that, Hansen isn't worried.
"We can either sit here and sulk about that or we can say right, here's an opportunity for us to have to grow some talent, give people opportunities. In the past people have stood up, and we're going to need (that).
"There's not a lot of well-known names but that's usually the case when you've had consistency - other guys don't build their case until they get an opportunity.
"We're pretty fortunate with what's coming through in the tightheads and I think, within six months, we'll probably be saying the same about the looseheads."
Newshub.
