The All Blacks are set to be without their best props for the remainder of 2017.
After Owen Franks went under the knife on Friday to repair a chronic Achilles tendon problem, his international and Crusaders teammate Joe Moody is likely to sit out the rest of the year with a dislocated shoulder.
Moody -- who has started all seven of New Zealand's Test matches at loosehead prop this year -- sustained the injury during the All Blacks' less than convincing 39-22 win over Argentina in New Plymouth.
"He's off to get an X-ray and it looks like he'll probably have to have an operation," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
"It'll be the end of him for the year I'd say."
Veteran loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett is the next cab off the rank for the Rugby World Cup holders, while Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Kane Hames are set to see increased game time.
The All Blacks' next match is against the Springboks next Saturday.