New Zealand are already without Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Manu Vatuvei and now you can add captain Simon Mannering to the list.

But coach Stephen Kearney isn’t worried and so he shouldn’t. The World Cup-winning mentor has developed some of the most exciting players on the international scene in recent years.

“I’m positive because that is the reality,” Kearney said.

“There is a certain expectation we have helped to create over the last 20 months and nothing changes with regards to that expectation.”

Kearney also touched on the withdrawal of Mannering.

“Tests haven’t confirmed a major issue but he hasn’t really got any better,” he added.

“It’s to protect Simon.

“He would want to get away on tour, to try and do what is best for the team in whatever condition he is in.

“He can be his own worst enemy in that sense.”