Just a week after losing influential captain Scott Barrett to injury, the All Blacks could be without another jumper for the third and final Test against France.

Tupou Vaa’i looks set to miss the Hamilton showdown, which puts even more pressure on the All Blacks’ second-row stocks.

The in-form Chiefs lock, who has impressed in the No 6 jersey, took a knock to the head during the 43-17 win in Wellington. His absence would be a blow for the All Blacks, and especially disappointing for Vaa’i given it will take place at his home ground.

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Shifted to the side of the scrum to cover for the injured Wallace Sititi, Vaa’i has been one of New Zealand’s standout performers in the series, shining in at blindside flank.

Assistant coach Jason Holland provided another injury update on Sunday, confirming that winger Caleb Clarke, who was replaced in the second Test starting line-up after suffering an ankle injury in training, will be out for “five to six weeks”. It means Clarke is ruled out of the opening two Rugby Championship Tests in Argentina on 16 and 23 August.

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