Brodie Retallick's long absence from the All Blacks will continue after he was ruled out of the three-Test series against France.
Scans revealed world class lock Retallick had suffered a fracture in his shoulder area during last week's Super Rugby match between his Chiefs and the Crusaders.
The 27-year-old will be sidelined for six weeks, also potentially affecting his involvement in the Super Rugby play-offs.
Retallick hasn't played Test rugby since midway through last year's Rugby Championship.
He sat out the remainder of the year following a personal tragedy, the death of his unborn son.
The former world player of the year's unavailability this month was anticipated by coach Steve Hansen, who called veteran Luke Romano and the uncapped Tom Franklin into his squad as lock cover for the French series.
Captain Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett are the starting locks for the first Test in Auckland on Saturday.
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