All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden will not play against the Pumas and Springboks over the next two weeks following a late night drinking session in Auckland.

The incident occurred after the team's flight was delayed from Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning and players were given the evening off.

Cruden, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Kieran Read, Conrad Smith and Sam Whitelock used the time to go to a pub, with all but Cruden leaving at an acceptable time after dinner.

The flyhalf did not travel with the All Blacks to Buenos Aires after missing the flight and lost his place in the squad as a result.

'We didn't have a curfew. He was out drinking and he didn't get there in time,' said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. 'It's obviously disappointing and out of character for him. He's extremely disappointed in himself. He understands there has to be a consequence for his actions.

'Once we get this out of the way then he will be coming back into the group when we go to Brisbane [for the third Bledisloe Cup Test].

'It's not what we, or he, stands for. We all make mistakes. Like our children we loved them but sometimes we don't love their behaviour.

'The team is well aware when we don't get that right there are consequences. He's paid the price for that.'

Beauden Barrett will now start at 10 for the All Blacks in La Plata and Johannesburg.

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