All Blacks star Damian McKenzie is set to miss the Rugby World Cup.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has announced today that McKenzie ruptured his ACL on Saturday night, and is as a result is likely to be out of contention for rugby’s pinnacle event in September.

A ruptured ACL usually requires anywhere between six to nine months on the sideline, meaning McKenzie would need a miracle recovery if he was to be any chance of being on the All Blacks’ plane to Japan.

The Chiefs fullback limped from the Waikato Stadium pitch on Saturday night in his side’s win over the Blues.

He suffered the injury early in the second half when attempting a tackle on first-five Otere Black, and looked to be favoring his right knee when hobbling off.