That means he will miss the two Bledisloe Cup tests, the first starting on Saturday in Auckland, with the Nations Championship tests in Europe.
That leaves the All Blacks with Richie Mo’unga, who has played one test since returning from Japan, and the uncapped Josh Jacomb as the lone specialist No 10s in the team, although Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett can cover if required.
Speaking after the All Blacks squad naming on Thursday, Rennie did indicate the injury to Love wasn’t good.
“It was only confirmed yesterday, the fact that he wasn’t going to be available,” Rennie said. “He sort of nursed it a little bit through Super Rugby. He’s tough, Ruben.
”He was probably struggling a little bit in Africa, but while he was getting a bit of medical attention, he wouldn’t be talking much about it, and it’s certainly serious enough for him to not be available.
“He can probably run at 70%, but that’s not great for him.”
The first Bledisloe Cup test will be played at Eden Park on Saturday, where the All Blacks will look to extend their unbeaten run at the stadium dating back to 1994, which stands at 53 tests.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.