Dan Carter will miss New Zealand's final pool match against Canada on Sunday with a groin injury.
Carter was withdrawn from the side after pulling up during kicking practice in final training on Saturday.
The All Blacks will release a further injury bulletin on Sunday amid fears his participation in the rest of the World Cup may be in doubt.
Carter was due to lead the side against Canada after captain Richie McCaw also withdrew with a "niggly" foot problem.
Colin Slade will now start at number 10, with hooker Andrew Hore to captain the All Blacks for the first time. Andy Ellis comes onto the replacements bench.
"Carter will be further assessed this evening [Saturday] and an update will be given tomorrow," said an All Blacks statement. "No further updates will be given at this time."
McCaw's place in the side, meanwhile, will be taken by Victor Vito.
"It's a bit frustrating," said the flanker. "I was pretty keen to play, it was important for me and the team. I got through training on Friday fine but I woke up a bit sore."
McCaw underwent pre-season surgery in February to insert a small screw into a bone in his foot that had a stress fracture and missed the first six weeks of the Super 15 season.
After his comeback, the flanker was then sidelined in late May after suffering from recurring pain in his foot.