All Blacks captain Scott Barrett is likely to miss the opening game of the Rugby Championship after sustaining a finger injury in the test against Fiji.
All Blacks management confirmed that: "Scott Barrett injured a finger during the All Blacks test against Fiji in San Diego which required a surgical treatment after his return to New Zealand. The injury is now being assessed.''
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All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson will name a 36-man squad for the Rugby Championship, with the All Blacks' opening their campaign against Argentina in Wellington August 10.
The two sides meet again a week later, before the All Blacks head to South Africa for two tests against the Springboks followed by a Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies.
If Barrett misses a test the All Blacks locking stocks will be sorely depleted.
Patrick Tuipulotu has recovered from injury and would likely be joined by Tupou Vaa'i who has played 28 tests, but only six have been starts at lock. Sam Darry made his debut against Fiji and Josh Lord is also making his way back from injury.
Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett, the current vice captains will be the logical choices to take over the leadership role
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