New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that Tawera Kerr-Barlow faces a six to nine month recovery period.

Kerr-Barlow suffered a nasty injury in the second half after coming against the Springboks at Ellis Park.

The Chiefs scrum-half may possibly need two surgeries to correct the injuries to his leg.

"He's done his ACL," Hansen told Stuff.

"He's torn the back of his hamstring off and has done his medial ligament. He needs an operation when we get home.

"Sometimes they do two operations but he's about a six-to-nine month recovery so it's pretty major.

"When you saw it on the replay it was pretty horrific. He's a brave boy to be able to get up and do what he did, gutsy as hell.

"He'll have to work hard at his rehab and I'm sure he'll come back. He's a tough kid."

Hansen also revealed that Ben Smith will be rested for the third Bledisloe Cup Test in two weeks time, opening the door for Cory Jane or Charles Piutau.