All Black flyhalf curse strikes again

Tom Taylor has fallen victim to the All Blacks' flyhalf curse in his debut Test and will be sidelined for three weeks with damaged ribs.

Taylor was injured late in Saturday's 27-16 victory over Australia in Wellington after impressing with his calm and mature introduction to international rugby.

The 24-year-old had been rushed into the side with six days notice after injuries to the top three flyhalves in the All Blacks pecking order - Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett.

"It seems to be a bogey in Wellington for 10s, that's for sure, but it's just the way it is and we have to cope with it, we can't change it," coach Steve Hansen said.

Both Carter and Barrett are expected to be fit again for the All Blacks' next Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in two weeks, but Hansen said he would also have the fifth-choice playmaker, Colin Slade, on hand as a precaution.

The other fresh injury scare in the All Blacks camp is a groin strain to Owen Franks and Hansen indicated he would have a replacement prop with the squad as cover for the Argentina Test in Hamilton.

Centre Ma'a Nonu is still to undergo a scan on a sore ankle, while flank Liam Messam, who missed both Tests against the Wallabies in the past fortnight, was rated "touch and go" to return from a hamstring injury in time to play Argentina.

AFP