Crusaders back Leicester Fainga'anuku has left the All Blacks squad for family reasons and is out of the test against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday night.
The selectors are weighing up a replacement, All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod confirmed, with Fainga'anuku due to arrive back in New Zealand.
It is unclear yet if he will rejoin the squad before the All Blacks head to Europe for tests against Scotland, Wales and England, with a decision to be made soon on a possible replacement.
McLeod also said the three Barrett brothers have yet to rejoin the squad in Japan. Beauden, Jordie and Scott – shaping as key figures on the tour – stayed behind when the squad left on Saturday due to the death of their grandmother, Mary Barrett.
The All Blacks will take on Japan at 4.50pm Saturday.
Meanwhile the Vodafone Flying Fijians will take on Scotland in their first Autumn International Series at 12am on November 6th.
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