New Zealand utility back Israel Dagg has been ruled out for the rest of the season but does not require surgery on a troubling knee injury, the team said on Friday.
Dagg sustained the problem during the Super Rugby season, forcing him to miss several weeks of the Canterbury Crusaders' march to an eighth title but had returned for the All Blacks.
He missed the first two Rugby Championship matches against Australia due to the injury but started against Argentina earlier this month in New Plymouth before it flared up again.
____________________________
READ MORE:
West Asia Premiership rugby: A team-by-team guide as Abu Dhabi Harlequins set out to defend five trophies
Dubai Hurricanes: Rugby club enters season looking to replicate thriving off-field operations on the pitch
Dubai Sports City Eagles: Flock is growing for new kids on the UAE rugby block
____________________________
He was not considered for the All Blacks' 57-0 demolition of South Africa on Saturday and coach Steve Hansen said last week the prognosis did not look good for the 66-Test veteran to return this year.
"Izzy Dagg will rest and rehab his knee for the rest of the year..." the All Blacks said on their verified Twitter account on Friday. "No need for surgery."
Dagg's absence should see a prolonged stay in the New Zealand No 15 jersey for Damian McKenzie, with regular fullback Ben Smith on a sabbatical and rookie Jordie Barrett ruled out with a shoulder surgery.
UPDATE: @izzy_dagg will rest and rehab his knee for the rest of the year and return to rugby in 2017. No need for surgery.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 22, 2017
Hansen has added David Havili to the Rugby Championship squad and the uncapped back could get a run in the All Blacks' final two games, against Argentina next week and South Africa on October 7.
Flyhalf Beauden Barrett, who spent the first four years of his All Blacks career as an impact substitute, filling the fullback or flyhalf position from the bench, could also slot in at No 15.
Barrett was a late call-up for the squad to travel to Argentina after Lima Sopoaga opted to remain at home to await the birth of his first child. Barrett had originally been rested with plans to join the team later in South Africa.
The 26-year-old Barrett is currently the only specialist flyhalf in the squad for the Pumas test, although Hansen has said previously he saw McKenzie's future in the pivotal role.