Sunday 9 November 2014 21:30, UK
Centre Conrad Smith will miss New Zealand’s game against Scotland on Saturday as he has returned home to attend to a personal family matter.
Smith will not be available for the game at Murrayfield but coach Steve Hansen hopes to have the 33-year-old back in Britain in time for their final Test of the season, against Wales in Cardiff on November 23.
"Everyone (in his family) is healthy which is great but obviously it's a personal matter so we can't answer any more questions on it. But we're just letting you know he's gone home," Hansen said.
"As long as he gets the issue sorted out he'll be back. All his gear is here so that's the intention."
Smith, the team's first-choice centre and an important member of their leadership group, played in the 24-21 win over England at Twickenham on Saturday.
