Kieran Read will undergo surgery after breaking a thumb during the Crusaders' win against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Read was replaced by Pete Samu in the 38th minute of the match.

The All Blacks captain is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks. The first Test against the British & Irish Lions is eight weeks away, on 24 July.

Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images