Cruden under injury cloud

Sat, Jun 10, 2017, 4:39 AM
AAP
by AAP
Aaron Cruden is under an injury cloud. Photo: Getty Images
Aaron Cruden is under an injury cloud. Photo: Getty Images

An injury cloud has descended over All Blacks five-eight Aaron Cruden following his early exit from the Chiefs' Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie told reporters Cruden had suffered medial ligament damage to his knee in an incident late in the first half.

Rennie was unsure about the severity of the knock which forced the 28-year-old off at halftime.

His availability for the Test against Samoa in Auckland on Friday won't become clear until he is assessed further.

Despite having signed a contract with French club Montpellier, Cruden was included in the All Blacks squad for the Samoan Test and the subsequent three-match series against the British and Irish Lions.

Beauden Barrett, whose Hurricanes team went down 17-14 to the Chiefs, is likely to be the first-choice Test No.10 after leapfrogging Cruden for the role last year.

Share
WATCH LIVE: Buildcorp Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships - Day 2
Harry Potter in action in the Wallabies win over Fiji in Newcastle. Photo: Getty Images
Potter re-commits to Australian Rugby, joins Waratahs for 2026
Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker has turned to Sevens star Aden Ekanayake as they look to take down England on Thursday (AEST). Photo: Getty Images
Ekanayake to start for Australia U20s in must-win England match
Stephen Larkham is set to face the Lions without eight of his key Wallabies. Source: Getty
Energy, clarity, planning: Bernie backing Brumbies to challenge Lions despite missing key stars