All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina's Rugby World Cup hopes have suffered a setback after he was knocked out at during training with Auckland's provincial side.
The 28-year-old was on the comeback trail from neck surgery and has not played for the All Blacks this year, but returned to training with them ahead of last week's Bledisloe Cup win over Australia at Eden Park.
Faumuina was released on Monday to play Auckland's next two ITM Cup matches against Taranaki and Canterbury before the World Cup squad is announced on Sunday, 30 August.
However, he was involved in a collision with loose forward Taleni Seu at training, and knocked unconscious.
All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina. Photo: Photosport
A team spokeswoman says he will now definitely miss the match against Taranakai but is expected to be available for the Canterbury game.
Faumuina underwent surgery towards the end of the Super Rugby season to relieve pressure on a pinched nerve in his neck that was causing him pain and diminishing his strength.
A strong scrummager, Faumuina is also well known for his ball handling and running in the open field, which would add to the attacking dimension of the All Blacks' forwards in England.
Faumuina has played 27 tests for the All Blacks since his debut in 2012.