Charlie Ngatai admits he contemplated getting medical tests because of desperation to play for the All Blacks and get back on the field.
The 26‑year‑old has been sidelined since May 7 when he was concussed playing against the Highlanders.
He was called into the All Blacks' camp in Auckland last month but was sent home a couple of days later when it was clear he had not recovered sufficiently.
Ngatai admitted he thought about keeping some things to himself in an effort to get back on the field.
It could have been Ngatai's year.
The departures of both Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu to France and the fact Sonny Bill Williams committed to the Olympic sevens programme meant a vacancy existed in midfield.
He was on course to snare the All Blacks No12 jersey after being one of the best players in the early rounds of Super Rugby for the Chiefs.
The Wallabies will play the Springboks at 3.05am next Sunday and the All Blacks play Argentina at 10.10am.
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