The All Black selectors are bracing for Keven Mealamu to be unavailble for the test against Scotland on Sunday morning with indications Hika Elliott is likely to start at hooker for the Murrayfield test.
Elliott's likely promotion comes with Keven Mealamu facing a striking charge after being cited for head-butting England's captain Lewis Moody and with Andrew Hore short of match practice.
In other likely changes from the side that started in the win over England Sonny Bill Williams is expected to start at second-five in place of Ma'a Nonu with Conrad Smith back at centre.
The full squad's to be named on Thursday night.
