All Blacks: Conrad Smith out with hand injury

Conrad Smith. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith will miss the third test against England and is in doubt for the remainder of the Super Rugby season after breaking a bone in his hand.

Smith faces five-to-six weeks on the sideline after suffering the injury in the All Blacks' 28-27 win over England in Dunedin on Saturday.

Either Malakai Fekitoa or Ryan Crotty will replace Smith at centre at Waikato Stadium, with coach Steve Hansen playing his cards close to his chest at the team hotel in Hamilton this afternoon.

"We'll make that decision on Thursday," he said. "[We have an idea] but we don't need to tell England which one we're going to go for."

Fekitoa has been chosen ahead of Crotty for a spot on the bench in the series' first two matches, making his debut a fortnight ago at Eden Park, and the Highlanders man would appear the likely option for to wear No 13.

But Hansen said Crotty's past experiences in the black jersey had him in the frame, with the decision dependent on whether the 22-year-old Fekitoa is ready to step up to international rugby.

"[Fekitoa] been playing well and it's just whether we think he's ready to start. Ryan's been there and done that, and been in the atmosphere. That's what it'll come down to - whether we think Malakai's ready to start or not."

The potential opportunity for Fekitoa comes from a combination of a sterling Super Rugby season and the injury to Smith. The centre was initially suspected of having a muscle issue but, with the hand swelling after the game, a broken bone was found in his right thumb.

It's the same injury suffered earlier this season by All Blacks teammate Aaron Cruden, who needed six weeks out of action before returning for the Chiefs.

"It's bad luck for [Smith] but an opportunity for someone else in the group," Hansen said. "Other than that, everyone else is fine."

Whether an All Blacks side who have already clinched the series will feature any further changes remains to be seen. There must be a temptation to hand Beauden Barrett a long-awaited start at first five, while Kieran Read will also be in the coaches' thinking after shaking off his concussion issues.

"I'm not going to talk about that until Thursday," Hansen said. "We've got all week to get through. Part of the reason why we don't want to talk about it is England have got to do their homework on everybody rather than just 15 blokes.

"I'd like to tell you but I can't."