The All Blacks’ five-eighth curse has claimed a fourth victim, with rookie Tom Taylor sidelined for three weeks by a rib injury.
Taylor suffered the injury late in New Zealand’s 27-16 win over Australia in Wellington on Saturday after making an assured debut.
He will miss New Zealand’s next two Tests in the Rugby Championship, against Argentina in Hamilton on September 7 and against South Africa in Auckland a week later.
Taylor’s memorable week threatens to be consigned as a footnote in All Blacks history, with a number of playmakers higher up the pecking order due to return from injury.
The 24-year-old was a surprise selection as the fourth-choice No.10 following injuries to Test great Dan Carter (calf) and the two players used in the opening defeat of Australia in Sydney – Aaron Cruden (knee) and Beauden Barrett (calf).
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Carter and Barrett are expected to be fit for the Argentina Test, although Colin Slade – who came off the reserve bench in Wellington – will go to Hamilton as cover.
It is a disappointing outcome for Taylor, who spoke of his satisfaction at a performance which produced 14 points with the boot and few errors in general play.
He was in obvious pain but unaware of the extent of his injury.
“It hasn’t been a normal week but I tried my best,” he said.
“I’ve been dreaming about rugby all week and trying to memorise all the moves. Once I was out there, it felt pretty good.”
Elsewhere, Hansen said prop Owen Franks had injured his groin, meaning extra front row cover is likely to be needed in Hamilton.
Inside centre Ma’a Nonu was playing with a painful ankle and needs a scan, while Liam Messam was “touch and go” to return from a hamstring injury to face Argentina.