Though the team initially said Cruden had been left behind because of the late-night excursion, Hansen said in Argentina that he had missed the flight.

"We didn't have a curfew. He was out drinking and he didn't get there in time," Hansen earlier told New Zealand media in Argentina.

"It's obviously disappointing and out of character for (Aaron). He's extremely disappointed in himself. He understands there has to be a consequence for his actions."

"Once we get this out of the way then he will be coming back into the group when we go to Brisbane.

"It's not what we, or he, stands for. We all make mistakes.

"The team is well aware that when we don't get it right there is a consequence and he's paid the price for that."

The All Blacks play Australia in Brisbane on Oct. 18 after the Rugby Championship wraps up.

Hansen said a replacement would be called into the squad, though it would not be Daniel Carter, who has been recovering from a broken leg sustained during the Super Rugby final.

Local media reported later that three-test All Black Tom Taylor had been called in to replace Cruden.

Cruden had started in six out of seven of the All Blacks' tests this season, with Barrett beginning against the Pumas in Napier earlier this month.

Colin Slade is likely to come off the bench if Barrett starts at La Plata.

Carter will play provincial rugby this weekend as he returns to fitness, though is not expected to be available for the All Blacks until the third and final Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Brisbane.

New Zealand lead the Rugby Championship table on 16 points and end their campaign against the Springboks in Johannesburg on Oct. 4.

Reuters