Israel Dagg's rugby season appears to be over due to an ongoing knee issue.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The All Black utility missed the first two Bledisloe Cup test matches last month because of it but played last week against Argentina only for it to flare up again.

The 29-year-old missed last night's 57-nil thumping of South Africa because of it and coach Steve Hansen confirmed the outlook isn't good.

"Sounds like there's a bit of cartilage surface damage to the knee that just needs a bit of rest.

"Doc's pretty confident if he gets the rest then he'll be fine so probably means he'll be out for the rest of the year," Hansen said.

Dagg will undergo scans at the start of the week to confirm the extent of the injury.

Meanwhile, All Blacks forward Liam Squire has pulled up fine after taking a knock to the head in Saturday's victory.

Squire was taken from the field in the first half after colliding with a fellow All Black.

Furthermore Hansen said he'll take a reduced 28-man squad to Argentina for their penultimate match of the Rugby Championship in two weekend's time.

-RNZ