AUCKLAND - All Blacks coach Ian Foster said loose forward Shannon Frizell has joined their injured list as the New Zealand squad departed for the Rugby World Cup on Friday.
Speaking to reporters at Auckland airport before flying to Europe, Foster said Frizell had tweaked a hamstring during training.
The flanker is on a "similar time frame" to lock Brodie Retallick, who is expected to miss the All Blacks' next two games with a knee injury, Foster said.
New Zealand play a final tune-up game against South Africa in London next Friday, then face hosts France in the World Cup's opening game on September 8.
Foster said the dual injuries "are a bit niggly for us" but is confident in the cover for Frizell and Retallick against South Africa.
"We'll have to re-assess and see what happens after that Test."
New Zealand head to France bidding to win the World Cup for a fourth time, having won all four games so far this year including a 35-20 home win over reigning world champions South Africa last month.
Foster said he would play his strongest available team in the warm-up against the Springboks.
"I won't be protecting anyone. You don't win World Cups by putting people in cotton wool," he added.