Three more All Blacks have been ruled out of the end of year tour, deepening the squad's injury problems. Prop Tyrel Lomax, hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and loose forward Shannon Frizell are the latest to be sidelined. All three will miss the Nations Championship Northern Series, which rounds off New Zealand's international season against opposition from the north. Losing two front row forwards and an experienced back row option forces the coaching staff into some awkward selection calls. The front row was already an area of concern, and Taukei'aho's absence removes a reliable set piece operator and physical presence at hooker. Frizell's ability to carry and tackle in the loose will also be hard to replace against big Northern Hemisphere packs. Replacement players will presumably be called into camp as the tour draws closer. Fans will now hope the remaining squad members can stay fit through the final block of test matches.