As the All Blacks prepare for their highly anticipated historic rugby test series against South Africa, the defending world champions have already been struck by a growing injury crisis, with three key players ruled out of the tour more than a full week before the opening test gets underway.
The latest setback came for rising winger Caleb Clarke, who suffered a ruptured shoulder tendon during the team’s one-sided 54-0 victory over the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday. The All Blacks confirmed in an official update on Friday that the injury will require surgical intervention, with a full recovery timeline set to be determined only after the procedure is completed. Clarke will return to New Zealand immediately to receive treatment, making him the third squad member to cut the tour short due to injury.
In a surprising tactical call, head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed that Clarke will not be replaced in the touring squad ahead of the upcoming series. Rennie stated he remains confident that the remaining six outside backs in the group provide sufficient cover for the tests, even as test starter Will Jordan remains a major doubt for the opening test against the Springboks. Jordan, a regular match-winner for the side, has been sidelined by a nagging back injury that has put his participation in doubt.
Speaking about his early exit from the tour, Clarke expressed deep disappointment at the turn of events. “I am gutted to be going home because I’ve loved my time here so much,” the winger said in a prepared statement. Clarke had built strong momentum ahead of the tour, earning caps against France and Ireland just last month and featuring in the All Blacks’ first two tour matches, putting him in strong contention for a starting spot in the opening test at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park stadium.
Clarke’s injury follows two earlier injury blows that hit the side even before their first tour match. Hooker George Bell suffered a calf injury during a training session ahead of the squad’s opening fixture against the Stormers, while center Billy Proctor sustained a broken shoulder blade during that match itself. Bell has already been replaced in the squad by Bradley Slater, while Proctor’s spot has been filled by star utility back Richie Mo’unga.
The All Blacks are set to continue their tour preparations this weekend, facing the Bulls in their third pre-series tour match on Saturday at Pretoria’s iconic Loftus Versfeld stadium. The first of three tests between the All Blacks and Springboks is scheduled to kick off next week at Ellis Park, with both sides vying for international rugby supremacy ahead of next year’s world cup cycle.