The All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter will miss the first two games of the Rugby Championship after suffering a calf injury.
Carter picked up the calf strain during Friday's training game and scans have revealed he'll be out of action for three to four weeks.
That means he'll miss the first two Bledisloe Cup tests against Australia starting in Sydney this weekend, but could be back when the All Blacks meet Argentina in Hamilton.
Coach Steve Hansen says the injury is minor, but says they're taking extra precautions as it's a recurring injury.
Aaron Cruden is likely to be named to start in Carter's place, with Beauden Barrett in line to feature off the bench.
Carter will head home Thursday to his Canterbury province while the playing 22 fly out for Saturday's test against the Wallabies - but he will rejoin the camp next week in Wellington, even though he's injured.
