Inspirational New Zealand captain Ardie Savea will miss the All Blacks' final Test against South Africa after suffering a shoulder injury in this morning's 29-24 defeat to the Springboks.
The 32-year-old was forced from the field nine minutes before half-time in a major blow to the All Blacks, who now trail 2-1 in the four-Test series.
Savea had scored two tries before his injury, but his departure allowed South Africa to gain greater control as they went on to secure a bruising victory at Soccer City.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie confirmed after the match that Savea would not travel with the team to the United States for the fourth Test.
The fourth Test will be played in Baltimore, USA next Sunday, with the All Blacks needing a victory to level the series.
The All Blacks will now have to regroup without their captain as they look to force a series decider with victory in Baltimore.
