According to the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), the tough-as-nails Collins back row forward will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder later this week.

Collins - who has played 38 Tests for his country - is expected to resume the All Blacks' conditioning programme one week after he undergoes the procedure on Saturday. He will be able to resume contract training after six weeks.

Collins has been part of a national squad of 22 that have controversially been withdrawn from the first eight rounds of Super Rugby.

He is still scheduled, however, to rejoin the Hurricanes franchise on time, as initially planned.

The 26-year-old - who was openly admitted that he hates missing matches because of rest or rotation - has aggravated an injury to his right shoulder that dates back to last year's Super 14. All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson says new scans have shown minor cartilage and tendon damage.

"Jerry played with persistent pain through much of last year," said Robinson. "We hoped that a period of rest would solve the problem, but the symptoms have returned now that he is back in training.

"He could carry on at less than 100 per cent, but we've decided to address this now. It's a minor surgery and he'll be able to resume conditioning work after a week."

The withdrawal of the leading All Blacks has induced criticism of the NZRU from many quarters. The loss of frontline New Zealand players can only devalue the spectacle that is the Super 14, but with mainstay players such as Collins clearly requiring the down-time, the rest may just prove to be the ace up New Zealand's sleeve come World Cup time.

Meanwhile, newstalkzb reports that second five-eighth Aaron Mauger is back from injury and in camp with the All Blacks in Christchurch.

Crusaders stalwart Mauger was forced home from last year's All Blacks end-of-season tour of Europe because of knee trouble, with the star No.12 undergoing surgery to repair the damage.

Mauger is expected to ease himself back into shape.