Another bad break for Moody

Joe Moody suffered yet another injury blow that means the All Blacks loosehead will miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship.

The 29-year-old Crusaders prop broke a thumb in last Saturday’s 40-12 triumph over the Wallabies at Eden Park as the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup.

Chiefs tighthead Angus Ta’avao has been called up to the squad for the first time as his replacement with Jeff Toomaga-Allen carrying a knee injury.

Karl Tu’inukuafe will now cover the loosehead with Moody expected to return in time for the tour to Japan and Europe, which starts with the third Bledisloe test against Australia in Tokyo on October 27.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s only other specialist loosehead in the squad is prop Tim Perry, although Blues tighthead Ofa Tu’ungafasi can cover both sides of the front row.

‘‘Moods has had an X-ray which has revealed a fracture in his left thumb,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘He doesn’t need surgery but will be in a cast for six weeks and, unfortunately, will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship.

‘‘Angus had a big season for the Chiefs during the Super Rugby season, was part of a very good Chiefs pack and has made big strides on the technical aspects of his position. We look forward to him joining the squad.’’

Ta’avao, who is eligible to play for Australia through his mother, captained Taranaki in their 26-19 victory over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on Wednesday.

The All Blacks squad will reassemble in Nelson on Sunday to prepare for the Rugby Championship test against Argentina on September 8.