Blackadder’s timeline is unknown, but he would likely find his way into the squad if fit and available. Patrick Tuipulotu also missed the two Wallabies Tests due to a calf injury, but his 4-6 week timeline would see him available for the final three matches of the tour.

Versatile Crusader Leicester Fainga’anuku pulled out of Tasman’s Hilux NPC quarter-final against Northland due to concussion protocols, but should recover before the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour.

Rennie hinted at Fainga’anuku’s return for the final four Tests of the year, after missing out on the Bledisloe Cup squad, with the head coach wanting more game time out of the 27-year-old.

There will be a selection squeeze in the outside backs, with Rennie having the option of one-Test winger Chay Fihaki, Emoni Narawa, now-eligible Kyren Taumoefolau, and Fainga’anuku, if the All Blacks see him as a winger.

The sixth prop is also a fascinating selection discussion, and with Lomax’s injury, there are few specialist options for Rennie to choose from. Siale Lauaki’s versatility will likely work in his favour, but Saula Ma’u’s pure size may earn him a spot.

With Barrett, Holland, Vaa’i, and Lord seemingly the first-choice locking group, Rennie will be forced to select only one of Jamie Hannah or Sam Darry. Recent squads would suggest Hannah has the inside running, after his call-up over Darry in the Bledisloe Cup squad, but Darry was a standout over the course of July’s Tests and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Possible bolters include Taumoefolau, Highlanders loose-forward Lucas Casey, Blues and Tasman hooker Eli Oudenryn, while Otago captain Christian Lio-Willie could also feature if Blackadder remains sidelined.

Predicted All Blacks 36-man squad (* Injury doubt)