All Blacks midfielder Billy Proctor's tour of South Africa is over after he suffered an injury in their 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town over the weekend.
This opens the possibility of a recall for first-five Richie Mo'unga.
Proctor left the field early in the second half and has become the second player to have his tour cut short, following hooker George Bell, who was ruled out with a calf injury.
Coach Dave Rennie has confirmed that Proctor will return home on Thursday after suffering a fractured shoulder blade.
Rennie says Proctor will not require surgery but will be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks.
He says it is devastating for Proctor.
A replacement is yet to be named, with Rennie saying today that they are working through the process.
Rennie has several experienced midfielders already in the squad, including Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett and Anton Lienert-Brown, while Rieko Ioane and Timoci Tavatavanawai are also options.
Experienced Crusaders campaigner David Havili, who has played 30 Tests for the All Blacks, could also be considered.
However, with Havili heading to Japan shortly, Rennie may take another approach and replace Proctor with a player in a different position.
The All Blacks will face the Sharks at 5am on Wednesday before taking on the Bulls at 5am this Sunday, followed by the Lions on August 26th at 5am.
Their first Test against South Africa will be on August 23rd at 3am.
They will then play the second Test on August 30th at 3am, followed by the third Test on September 6th at 3am, with the fourth and final Test on September 13th at 3am.
