Damian McKenzie will miss New Zealand's Rugby Championship clash with Argentina on Saturday due to a family bereavement.
McKenzie came off the bench to win his 19th cap in the second half of a 36-34 shock home defeat to South Africa.
The versatile back will not feature when the world champions attempt to show a positive response to that setback against the Pumas in Buenos Aires, though, after it was revealed that he had flown home.
"Damian McKenzie has returned home to New Zealand after a family bereavement," the All Blacks tweeted.
"He will rejoin the All Blacks squad in South Africa. The thoughts of everyone in the All Blacks are with Damian and his family at this sad time."
UPDATE: Damian McKenzie has returned home to New Zealand after a family bereavement. He will rejoin the All Blacks squad in South Africa. The thoughts of everyone in the All Blacks are with Damian and his family at this sad time.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 26, 2018
Photo Getty Images. Caption: New Zealand back Damian McKenzie