Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will miss his side's opening match of the Rugby Championship with a knee injury.

Polota-Nau limped off just after half-time during the Waratahs' historic 33-32 Super Rugby final victory over the Crusaders and has subsequently been ruled out of Australia's opening match against the All Blacks. It remains to be seen whether he'll be fit for their second match, the return fixture in Auckland.

The injury is a massive blow for the Wallabies who have already lost captain Stephen Moore for the rest of the season, also to a knee injury.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie currently has two fit hookers at his disposal, with the Western Force's Nathan Charles and the Reds' James Hansen expected to battle it out for the starting spot. Meanwhile, Waratahs reserve hooker Tolu Latu has been called up as additional cover and will join the squad later this week.

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