All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett has been ruled out of the rest of the France series with a calf injury.
An All Blacks press release this morning stated that Barrett suffered a calf tear during the 31-27 first Test victory in Dunedin.
He left the field before the hour mark and was seen limping the next day at the airport as he left with the squad to Wellington.
The original prognosis was an Achilles issue but the news of Barrett's withdrawal does not come as a surprise.
"A scan on Monday has revealed a tear," the release said. "Barrett's likely return to play is yet to be determined."
Patrick Tuipulotu wil likely start in Barrett's place - and probably alongside Fabian Holland after the 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent Test debut in Dunedin.
All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen said: "We’ll just take it week by week. He’ll be keen to get back as quickly as possible, but we’ve obviously got to do what’s right for him.
"We’re obviously disappointed to lose the Skip but we’ve got to look forward.
"He’ll obviously be disappointed. He loves playing for the All Blacks and leading them."
While Barrett's absence will not come as a shock to the coaches, it will be a blow as they look ahead to the Rugby Championship and two huge Tests at home against South Africa in September.
Vice captain Ardie Savea will take on the captaincy.
Prop Pasilio Tosi said today: "Obviously it’s not good news and we only just got informed this morning. Ardie stepping up to the occasion – we all back him and obviously he’s led the side before. We’ve all got confidence he can lead us into a good game this weekend."
France defence coach Shaun Edwards, a former England league international, said today of Barrett's injury: "One thing I do know is that Scott Barrett is a seriously good player. Knowing you Kiwis, you probably have another world-class player to take his place, but I’m sorry to hear that for himself because he’s a class player and seems a great guy as well."
Head coach Scott Robertson will name the team on Thursday.
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