As predicted Conrad Smith will take his sabbatical during the All Blacks end-of-year tour to Europe.
The Hurricanes skipper confirmed his plans at the All Blacks’ training camp in Mt Maunganui on Tuesday.
With an eye on the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, Smith hoped the break from all rugby would help prolong his international career.
Expected to be out of the game for three months, Smith said he will be available for the Hurricanes in the 2014 Super Rugby season.
His absence from the November tour leaves All Blacks coach Steve Hansen with the task of finding an adequate replacement for Tests against France, England and Ireland.
With capped centres Richard Kahui and Tamati Ellison already confirming their departure to club rugby in Japan, and Rene Ranger likely to defect to France, Hansen is left with minimal options.
From the past two All Blacks training camps utility Ben Smith is the only other player with experience at Test level while rookies Francis Saili and Tom Taylor are capable of playing both midfield positions.
Source: http://www.sportal.co.nz/
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