All Blacks coach Graham Henry believes injured skipper Richie McCaw is unlikely to play in next week's Test against Samoa but should be fit for the Tri-Nations decider against Australia in a fortnight.
Henry said McCaw was ‘still tender’ after he bruised his ribs in the 19-0 win against South Africa in Cape Town on 16 August and was not likely to play in Wednesday's Test in New Plymouth.
Already out of the Samoa Test are fullback Leon MacDonald, who has suffered a series of concussions and halfback Andy Ellis, whose own rib injury means Piri Weepu will remain with the All Blacks.
New Zealand are due to play 13 Australia on September.
