Wallabies three-quarter Pat McCabe has suffered a recurrence of his career-threatening neck injury in the latest dose of Australian Rugby Championship misery.

McCabe was replaced late in Australia’s 51-20 thumping by the All Blacks at Eden Park after suffering a jarring knock on Saturday night.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie on Sunday admitted scans have shown worrying signs for the Brumbies back who this year made a brave comeback from two neck fractures.

McCabe was wearing a precautionary neck-brace as he arrived at Auckland Airport and is waiting further medical advice.

The winger is almost certain to miss Australia’s next clash, against South Africa in Perth on September 6, and is in grave doubt for the rest of the Rugby Championship.

Centre Tevita Kuridrani looms as a replacement with Adam Ashley-Cooper to return to the wing in a backline reshuffle.

The Wallabies will also be without Nathan Charles against the Springboks at Patersons Stadium as the hooker’s curse continued in the six-try thumping at Eden Park.

Charles will have scans on what is hoped to be a rib problem.

McKenzie feared a pectoral injury which could sideline him for an extended period.

Australia are already missing captain Stephen Moore with a season-ending knee injury while fellow rake Tatafu Polota-Nau is battling to return from his own knee injury.

James Hanson is in line to make his first run-on Test start against South Africa while Saia Fainga’a is set for a recall on the bench.