Messam out of Bledisloe Cup opener

Steven Luatua will replace All Blacks blindside flanker Liam Messam, ruled out with a hamstring strain, in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test.

Flanker Liam Messam has become the second All Blacks player ruled out through injury for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Sydney.

Team management said in-form Chiefs forward Messam strained a hamstring in training in Wellington on Thursday and will be replaced in the starting team by Blues newcomer Steven Luatua.

Star playmaker Daniel Carter was ruled out earlier in the week, with Aaron Cruden replacing him at five eighth.