By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE – Stuff.co.nz

The All Blacks have confirmed that midfielders Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith will miss the rest of the Tri-Nations campaign because of injuries, with McAlister requiring surgery.

The pair were forced off the field during the weekend’s Bledisloe Cup win over Australia in Sydney.

McAlister fractured his right cheekbone in a heavy tackle while Smith strained his left hamstring during the All Blacks 19-18 win over the Wallabies.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said McAlister would undergo surgery in Auckland on Friday.

“He will have several small plates inserted into his face to fix the fractures and, if all goes well, he will be able to return to rugby after four weeks,” Dr Robinson said.

McAlister has previously suffered a broken jaw.

Dr Robinson said an MRI scan had revealed that Conrad Smith had suffered a “significant” hamstring strain.

Smith has had a history

“Conrad will now go on a graduated hamstring rehabilitation programme which will involve slowly getting back into running and then rugby training, and it’s anticipated that he will return to rugby in four to six weeks,” Dr Robinson said.

Auckland utility Isaia Toeava will rejoin the Tri-Nations squad. He has recovered from a stress fracture to his left foot to play for Auckland over the last two weekends. While he was part of the All Blacks wider training squad he didn’t make the trip to Sydney.

It seems he will be a leading contender to take over at centre where he made three appearances during the tests against France and Italy earlier in the season.

All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith said the side had to put their midfield problems behind them as they looked to finish their Tri-Nations campaign with two home matches against South Africa and Australia.

The Springboks play the Wallabies twice in Australia over the next two weekends, giving the All Blacks an opportunity to work on a new midfield combination and their tactics.

“It’s tough for both Luke and Conrad who both played outstandingly well on the weekend and showed a lot of character before they were injured,” said Smith.

“But they are strong players who will bounce back from their injuries and we look forward to their return to rugby,” Smith said.

The All Blacks will assemble for a one-day training camp in Christchurch next Wednesday before assembling in Hamilton on Sunday, September 6.

They play South Africa at Waikato Stadium on September 12 followed by Australia in Wellington the following Saturday.