All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has confirmed lock Brodie Retallick won't be heading to South Africa for the Test against the Springboks, after a family tragedy.

"Brodie and his wife Niki have lost their baby boy prematurely, which is incredibly sad news," Hansen said in a statement.

"We're really feeling for them at this sad time and our thoughts are with them and their families."

Niki had been pregnant with their second child, after the pair had a daughter last year.

Retallick was rested for the All Blacks game against Argentina and was expected to join the squad in South Africa.

The 26-year-old has played 68 Test matches for the All Blacks since making his debut against Ireland in 2012.

Meanwhile Sam Cane, Ryan Crotty, Lima Sopoaga, Liam Squire and Sam Whitelock have arrived in South Africa.

Vaea Fifita, Ngani Laumape, Waisake Naholo, Luke Romano and Ardie Savea - who all featured for the All Blacks during their win over Argentina - will return to New Zealand.

Newshub.