All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ACL injury.

The 23-year-old damaged his right knee when attempting a tackle on Blues flyhalf Otere Black in Hamilton last Saturday.

‘He’s done an ACL and looks to be out for eight to nine months, which is a real shame for him,’ said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

‘His World Cup opportunity’s gone, but he’s still young enough to make probably the next two. It’s just important he gets his knee right and takes the time to be able to come back and achieve the dreams that he wants to achieve.

‘It’s sad for him, obviously. It creates another opportunity for someone else. We’ve got to expect injuries and there will be more than just him, I’d say.’

McKenzie was expected be one of the three All Blacks flyhalves selected for the World Cup, along with Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga.