Milner-Skudder hit by new injury blow

Sun, Oct 8, 2017, 11:22 PM
AFP
by AFP
Despite thrashing the Springboks in their first meeting, the story was vastly different in Cape Town as the All Blacks were pushed all the way in a thriller.

New Zealand winger Nehe Milner-Skudder's dismal injury run continues, with the All Blacks confirming Monday that a shoulder problem will sideline him for six months.

Milner-Skudder left the field during New Zealand's nail-biting 25-24 win over South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday after dislocating his right shoulder.

Coach Steve Hansen confirmed the 26-year-old would require an operation.


"Dislocated shoulder. Will require surgery. Expected to be out for six months," Hansen said on the All Blacks' official Twitter feed.

Milner-Skudder enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2015, helping the All Blacks to World Cup victory with six tries in the tournament.

But since then he has missed almost two years of international rugby due to a string of injuries.

Nehe Milner-Skudder is back in the All Blacks' starting side. Photo: Getty ImagesA dislocated left shoulder sidelined him for the entire 2016 season, then he returned to Super Rugby in March this year, only to break his foot after two games.

He made his latest comeback against Argentina last month and had scored three tries in three Tests before his injury curse struck again.

Australia takes on New Zealand in the third Bledisloe Test on Saturday October 21, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Network Ten, Win and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.  Buy tickets here.

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