All Blacks call Gibson up, while Franks & Naholo ruled out

All Blacks prop Owen Franks will undergo surgery on his achilles and has been ruled out for the remainder of the year.

In an extensive injury update ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in New Plymouth, New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said Franks would have an operation on Friday.

The 95-Test tight-head needed to take action to remedy an injury that has dogged him for some time, Hansen said

Winger Waisake Naholo, who didn’t play in either Test against Australia, has been ruled out after suffering a head knock during a Mitre 10 match for Taranaki.

There was brighter news for three senior All Blacks, who have all been cleared to play after suffering head knocks.

Flanker Sam Cane and inside centre Ryan Crotty were both replaced during the Dunedin Test while Wyatt Crocket endured the same fate in Sydney a week earlier.

There is still some uncertainty over Cane, prompting Hansen to promote uncapped Blues flanker Blake Gibson into the squad as injury cover.

Seasoned Crusaders flanker Matt Todd was unavailable to back up Cane and Ardie Savea as he injured his wrist playing for Canterbury.

"It doesn't matter who plays, the expectation is we play well" - #AllBlacks coach Steve Hansen talks selection options for #NZLvARG. pic.twitter.com/vHa268Gb7H

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 4, 2017