All Blacks omit 'embarrassed' Aaron Cruden

Cruden did not depart for Argentina with his team-mates, who will take on the Pumas in the Rugby Championship in La Plata on Saturday.

The 35-time New Zealand international will also miss the All Blacks' Test with South Africa in Johannesburg in October, which could be the four nations decider.

Coach Steve Hansen said Cruden was "embarrassed" by his omission.

"As a consequence of his actions, he has been left at home and will not join squad for Tests against Argentina South Africa," Hansen said, as tweeted by the All Blacks' account.

"We are extremely disappointed at Aaron's actions which are out of character. He is embarrassed at his actions."

Beauden Barrett is likely to take Cruden's number 10 role, with no squad replacement named.