The All Blacks stocks of Stephen Donald fell even further today after the Waikato rugby first five-eighth underwent surgery to repair a torn chest muscle.
The 19-test veteran is expected to be out for four months as he recovers from the operation, ruling him out of this year's Tri-Nations championship. He should be fit to return to rugby in October, meaning he will be an option for the season-ending tour to Hong Kong and Europe.
Donald sustained the injury, a tear to his pectoralis major muscle, while playing for his club rugby side University in Hamilton on Saturday.
However, All Blacks coach Graham Henry revealed that even if the 26-year-old had been fit, he wouldn't have been named in the 26-man squad unveiled on Sunday for home tests against Ireland and Wales.
Uncapped Manawatu first five-eighth Aaron Cruden appears to have leapfrogged Donald in the pecking order after being named in Sunday's squad.
Donald inherited the starting No 10 jersey for six tests last year while first choice Dan Carter recovered from injury.
NZPA