A recovered Cam Roigard will take his place at halfback in the All Blacks squad for the end of year tour, while veterans Sam Cane and TJ Perenara have also got the nod.
The All Blacks are about to embark on a tough tour of Japan and Europe, with Scott Robertson set to name his side at 2pm today. So who will make the squad and who could face disappointment?
New Zealand Rugby chairwoman Dame Patsy Reddy will not seek re-appointment to the NZR Board, after an independent review of the organisation's governance structures was not implemented.
The High School Old Boys Light Bears are "chomping at the bit" to run onto Sky Stadium for the curtain-raiser to the All Blacks test against Australia on Saturday.
Manawatū Cyclones centre Holly-Rae Mete scored a hat-trick to help her side beat the Otago Spirit 33-3 in the Farah Palmer Cup championship final this evening.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson admitted his delight at winning the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in his career was tempered by a realisation his team remain a work in progress.
The Bledisloe Cup is safely locked away for another year, the 21st on the trot, after the All Blacks survived a late scare from the Wallabies, winning 31-2 in Sydney.
Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx scored tries as South Africa recorded a fourth win in a row against old foes the All Blacks for the first time in 75 years with an 18-12 Rugby Championship victory.