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Wellington - All Black prop Joe Moody will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship after breaking his thumb in last weekend's win over Australia, New Zealand Rugby said on Thursday.
Moody scored a try in the 40-12 victory as New Zealand secured the Bledisloe Cup for the 16th straight year and stayed on track to defend their Rugby Championship crown.
"Moods has had an x-ray which has revealed a fracture in his left thumb," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
"He doesn't need surgery but will be in a cast for six weeks."
Hansen said the 29-year-old should be fit for New Zealand's tours to Japan and Europe in October-November.
He said Karl Tu'inukuafe would cover Moody's spot at loosehead, with uncapped Angus Ta'avao of the Chiefs called into the squad as backup for Owen Franks at tighthead.
"Angus had a big season for the Chiefs during the Super Rugby season, was part of a very good Chiefs pack and has made big strides on the technical aspects of his position," Hansen said.
The All Blacks next Rugby Championship fixture is against Argentina in Nelson on September 8.
