Collins is a first-choice starter for New Zealand

The 26-year-old should be able to return to contact training within six weeks of the operation, according to team doctor Deb Robinson.

"He played with persistent pain through much of last year and he could carry on at less than 100% but we've decided to address this now," said Robinson.

"We hoped rest would solve it, but the symptoms have returned."

Collins, who has won 38 caps for New Zealand, should be able to resume aerobic exercise within a week of the surgery.

New Zealand's elite players have been banned from taking part in the early rounds of the Super 14 competition ahead of this year's World Cup.

The All Blacks stars have been instructed to concentrate on fitness training for the next two months, meaning Collins is unlikely to miss any games before returning to the fray in late March.