Ruben Love will miss the two Bledisloe Cup Tests against the Wallabies next month due to a lingering ankle injury he has been nursing for most of the year.
The announcement was made by All Blacks coach Dave Rennie while naming his 34-member squad for the Tests in Auckland and Sydney.
With Love ruled out, Rennie will rely on the experience of Richie Mo’unga at fly-half.
Rennie says it is great to have Mo’unga back, especially with Love sidelined through injury.
Love’s injury is a significant blow as the All Blacks prepare to defend the Bledisloe Cup, which they have held since 2003 and regard as their second-most important trophy behind the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks will face the Wallabies at 6.10pm on 10th October at Eden Park in Auckland, before the second Test at 5pm on 17th October at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
