Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott will undergo surgery on his injured hamstring in a massive blow for the team as they look to bounce back from Bledisloe Cup disappointment.
Scans revealed the worst possible news with the 27-year-old requiring an operation that will end his year and, with a recovery time of around six months, will likely put a dent in the Queensland co-captain's participation in Super Rugby Pacific's opening rounds.
The Wallabies say scans have confirmed McDermott will require surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered in Auckland.
They say he is expected to spend an extended period of time on the sideline throughout his recovery.
Wallabies teammate Jeremy Williams said the squad was upset for McDermott, but had faith in the "next man up" in the No.9 jersey.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has already called veteran Nic White into the squad as a training partner ahead of Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth, as the Australians look to respond to a 33-24 defeat.
It's the second time White has come out of retirement and answered Schmidt's call to play on, with the coach describing him as the "gift that keeps on giving".
The Wallabies play the All Blacks at 9.45pm Saturday at Optus Park, Perth.
Meanwhile, the Springboks play Argentina at 1am at Allianz Stadium, London.
