New Zealand centres Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith will miss the remainder of the Tri-Nations rugby series, forcing the recall of utility back Isaia Toeava to the All Blacks squad.

McAlister suffered a fractured right cheekbone and Smith a serious hamstring tear during the All Blacks' 19-18 win over Australia in Sydney last weekend.

Both will miss New Zealand's remaining matches, against South Africa in Hamilton on September 12 and Australia in Wellington on September 19.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said McAlister would undergo surgery in Auckland on Friday.

"He will have several small plates inserted into his face to fix the fracture and, if all goes well, he will be able to return to rugby after four weeks," Robinson said.

Robinson said Smith had suffered a "significant" hamstring strain.

"Conrad will now go on a graduated hamstring rehabilitation program which will involve slowly getting back into running and then rugby training, and it's anticipated that he will return to rugby in four to six weeks."

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said Toeava, who dropped out of the All Blacks team earlier this season after suffering a stress fracture in one foot, would rejoin the squad.

"It's tough for both Luke and Conrad who both played outstandingly well on the weekend and showed a lot of character before they were injured," Smith said.

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