Ardie Savea and Shannon Frizell to miss New Zealand's clash against Australia in Melbourne

New Zealand will miss the services of Ardie Savea and Shannon Frizell for the upcoming Rugby Championship game against New Zealand in Melbourne to be played on 15th September

Savea will remain in New Zealand as he and his wife are expecting their third child but the 28-year-old is likely to rejoin the squad ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup match in Wellington at Eden Park on 24th September.

Meanwhile, Frizell, who made a sizeable contribution along with Savea in their win over Argentina in Hamilton suffered is sidelined with a rib injury.

The absence of the duo will see Luke Jacobson, who is yet to feature for the All Blacks this year will be part of the 33-man squad travelling to Melbourne.

Jack Goodhue (knee) and lock Patrick Tuipulotu (neck) will also be unavailable for the upcoming encounter due to injuries.

Head coach Ian Foster also confirmed that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Aidan Ross and Angus Ta’avao have been released from the squad and will head back to their provincial side.

New Zealand currently are at the top of the Rugby Championship table with 10 points and are closely followed by Australia, South Africa and Argentina with nine points.

New Zealand squad:

Forwards: Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane (c), Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu

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