All Blacks centre Jack Goodhue to undergo knee surgery

New Zealand centre Jack Goodhue will be facing a period on the sidelines as he is set to undergo a surgery on his knee.

The 27-year-old, whose career was hampered by injuries was included in New Zealand's Rugby Championship squad but did not feature in the two Tests against South Africa.

"He has a niggly knee with a lot of swelling, so he will have a tidy-up [operation],” said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

Meanwhile, veteran lock Brodie Retallick is set to return from a cheekbone injury and is available for his provincial side Hawke’s Bay this weekend. He has been included in the squad as a non playing member.

New Zealand currently are at last position in the Rugby Championship table after a win and a defeat apiece in the opening two rounds against South Africa.

New Zealand squad:

Forwards: Sam Cane (captain), Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Josh Dickson, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samuel Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu.

Backs: Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Stephen Perofeta, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece.