Canterbury Bulldogs winger Matt Utai has become the second player to pull out of New Zealand's tour to Great Britain and France because of injury.

The 21-year-old, who made an impressive Test debut in the Kiwis' 32-24 defeat by Australia in Wellington on Saturday, needs an ankle operation.

He follows in the footsteps of New Zealand captain Nathan Cayless, who was ruled out earlier this month.

The Parramatta prop has had knee surgery which could leave him out of action for up to 12 weeks.

Cayless' place has gone to Andrew Lomu but Utai will not be replaced in the squad, which flew out of Auckland on Sunday.

That leaves Kiwi coach Gary Freeman with 25 players to choose from for the eight-match tour.