Sam Cane and Dane Coles have both been ruled out of the Autumn Nations Series after suffering injuries in New Zealand’s 38-31 victory over Japan.
All Blacks captain Cane fractured a cheekbone, while experienced hooker Coles is also out of the tour after a recurring calf issue saw him miss the win over the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo.
Flanker Billy Harmon and hooker Asafo Aumua have been called into the All Blacks squad which will head to Europe this week.
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster said: “It’s always disappointing, particularly in the first game of a tour, to have a couple of guys going home.
“It’s one of those adjustments we keep making, and it creates a great opportunity for the likes of a Dalton Papalii.
