Doubts about Will Jordan’s availability for the rest of the northern tour have heightened after the All Blacks confirmed he suffered a minor hamstring tear against Scotland.
All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes said they were still “hopeful” Jordan could feature in the final fortnight of their UK trip for the tests against England and an opponent to be determined in the Nations Championship’s finale at Twickenham.
However, hamstring injuries are notoriously difficult to shake off in a matter of weeks and the All Blacks’ record try-scorer might not play again this season.
The 28-year-old, who has been deployed on the right wing through Dave Rennie’s first campaign as coach, had already been ruled out of their clash with Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.
The All Blacks’ other wing options are the experienced Rieko Ioane, Hurricanes pair Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby and one-cap Crusaders outside back Chay Fihaki.
Moorby has become Rennie’s regular pick on the left wing and seems poised to start there for the All Blacks’ huge test with England at Twickenham next Sunday.
Leicester Fainga'anuku is also an alternative but was picked as a loose forward in the 36-man squad, albeit in what could be a hybrid role where the Crusaders star switches between openside flanker and wing or midfield.
Ioane played his 92nd test against Scotland when replacing the injured Jordan in the 52nd minute, although most of his career has been at centre.
There would be more clamour for Fineanganofo to start in their back three after a frustrating first test campaign, limited by injury, following his sensational form for the title-winning Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific.
The Akk Blacks play Wales at 2.10am Sunday at Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
