New Zealand-born photographer Scott Barbour has been banned by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) from covering the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup build-up after he deliberately exposed the team's game plan.

The NZRU's official photo agency Getty Images, which employs Barbour as a freelancer, also angered All Blacks management after his image of coach Graham Henry holding the team's tactical moves was reproduced in Australia media outlets on Wednesday.

Getty Images is not allowed to send a replacement photographer to the team's remaining practice sessions in Melbourne ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations match.

The NZRU has no power to deny Getty's access to Etihad Stadium as the match is under the jurisdiction of the Australian Rugby Union, though its representatives may be barred from covering next Saturday's trans-Tasman match in Christchurch.

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen described Barbour's actions as a "breach of trust" saying he broke an "unwritten rule" by photographing the blueprint displaying moves from lineouts and scrums.

Hansen maintained the leak would not jeopardise preparations or force a tactical review but that did not spare Christchurch-born Barbour from sanctions.

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