All Blacks and Blues prop Tony Woodcock has been ruled out of Saturday's Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park against Australia with a rib injury.

Woodcock, a veteran of 87 tests, sustained the injury during New Zealand's 27-19 win over the Wallabies in the opening match of the four-nation championship last weekend.

He was unable to train on Tuesday and his place in the All Blacks starting lineup at Eden Park is likely to be taken by Wyatt Crockett.

Australia has already suffered a major injury blow ahead of Saturday's match, which is the second in a three-match Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand. Wallabies captain David Pocock was ruled out of the match on Monday with a knee injury which will require surgery.

New Zealand is unbeaten against Australia at Eden Park since 1986.