Midfielder Braydon Ennor will play no part in the All Blacks' upcoming tests against Tonga and Fiji next month.
The 23-year-old has undergone emergency surgery for appendicitis and has been ruled out of all rugby for approximately five weeks to recover.
It's the latest in a string of misfortunes for the Crusaders utility, who had only recently returned to the field, after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during the North v South match in September.
Ennor's absence is also another blow to the All Blacks' dwindling midfield stocks. Jack Goodhue has been ruled out for the rest of 2021, after a knee rupture in April, while Ngani Laumape has departed New Zealand for French club Stade Francais.
Anton Lienert-Brown also won't be available until the final test against Fiji on July 17, having undergone a minor surgical procedure to correct an issue in his elbow.
Rieko Ioane, David Havili and Quinn Tupaea are now the main contenders for the starting midfield in the opening test against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium on July 3.
No replacement has been called into the squad.
Join us at 7pm, Saturday July 3 for live updates of the All Blacks clash with Tonga
