The All Blacks will have to look to a third-string second-five for the Argentina leg of the Rugby Championship.
Ryan Crotty has been deemed unavailable for the match against Los Pumas in La Plata next weekend as he still recovers from his broken cheekbone.
He will instead play for Canterbury in the ITM Cup next week, before joining up with the All Blacks in South Africa. With Ma' Nonu also out, it means coach Steve Hansen will need to find a second-five replacement, possibly Malakai Fekitoa.
Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam and Jerome Kaino have all been named to return from injury for the Argentina leg and Hansen said they'll have to decide how to re-introduce them.
"Heading back a little bit earlier than we expected, but that's a bonus and we'll see what state they are in when we get to Argentina.
"And whether they start or come off the bench, we'll work our way through that," Hansen said.
Daniel Carter will play for Canterbury next week while locks Dominic Bird and Patrick Tuipulotu will also make their returns through ITM Cup.
Hansen said they want him to have a couple of games for Canterbury first, likely against North Harbour.
"I think they've got a game Friday, he won't be involved in that one, but I think he may play in the next one or the one after that. It'll be up to the Canterbury guys."
Hansen said they're aiming for Carter to make his All Blacks return in the Bledisloe Cup game against the Wallabies in Brisbane in just over a month.
Hookers: Dane Coles, Nathan Harris and Keven Mealamu.
Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks and Joe Moody.
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush and Sam Whitelock.
Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam and Kieran Read.
Halfbacks: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith.
First five-eighths: Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade.
Midfielders: Ryan Crotty, Conrad Smith and Malakai Fekitoa.
Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea and Ben Smith.
