Smith's return will rule him out of tomorrow's Bledisloe Cup clash at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
It will probably result in Malakai Fekitoa moving from the reserves bench to partner Ma'a Nonu in the midfield for easily the biggest test of his career.
Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty has been called into the squad as cover.
Fekitoa, 22, who had a blockbusting season with the Highlanders, played his first test in June when coming on as a substitute against England at Eden Park and made his first start in his second test a fortnight later in Hamilton, impressing in the All Blacks' convincing victory.
Smith's departure will rob the All Blacks of a defensive rock and a huge amount of experience as his side look to break the world record for consecutive test wins for a top tier nation. The 32-year-old has played 77 tests.
- Patrick McKendry of APNZ in Sydney
