"Unlucky for him" - All Blacks suffer tough injury blow ahead of England clash

Clarke was withdrawn from action at the 44th minute in the hard-fought 25-17 win over Gregor Townsend's side, and was subsequently replaced by the 'man of the hour' Damian McKenzie. It was the versatile Chiefs back that bagged the pivotal match-winning try and nailed the following conversion and penalty combination, to deliver enough daylight for an arduous All Blacks win.

All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland confirmed Caleb Clarke will miss the England Test, and that has compounded thoughts on the midfield options. "It's unlucky for him. He's been good. He's come back in the second half of this year fit and strong and enjoying his footy. He's been having a crack, offloading, loving the contests in the air. It is one of those footy things."

Whilst Clarke will sit out on proceedings at the Allianz Stadium, the All Blacks are excited to welcome back their regular captain Scott Barrett for their third Test of a grueling November series. Barrett suffered a nasty leg laceration in the early goings of New Zealand's victory over Ireland out in Chicago, with the skipper forced out of the fray after the second minute, following a phase of play that immediately proceeded the controversial collision between Tadhg Beirne and Scott's brother, Beauden Barrett.

The options for the All Blacks midfield now include leaving Quinn Tupaea and Leicester Fainga'anuku at second five-eighths and centre respectively, or opting for Billy Proctor or Anton Lienert-Brown at centre, with wing options being Reiko Ioane, Sevu Reece or Will Jordan, with Damian McKenzie at fullback.

"There'll be a couple of big decisions made in the next couple of days around how we get the best guys on the park to start and finish the game."

Holland said he had a lot to do with Fainga'anuku before he went overseas, starting when he played for New Zealand Schools. Fainga'anuku also shares a middle name with the host stadium's former title, with the wing who's full name is Leicester Ofa Ki Wales Twickenham Faingaʻanuku, has thrived upon his return to New Zealand. Faigna'anuku first made his comeback with Tasman Mako in the NPC, before becoming a late addition to Scott Robertson's Rugby Championship squad.

"He's always been a top man." Holland said. "He's chilled out, loves the game and works pretty hard. He's come in and fitted seamlessly back into the group. He's strong, and some of his carries and the way he offloads and gets his arms free are a massive asset for him.

"But that's not his only strength. He sees the game well. He understands what we're trying to do and some of the offloads are outstanding. He's added a lot as well as being a good and humble young man. It's been great to have him around."