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All Blacks face injury crisis ahead of South Africa Test series
The All Blacks are facing a significant injury crisis ahead of their Test series against South Africa. Winger Caleb Clarke has been ruled out of the tour and must return to New Zealand for shoulder surgery following a ruptured tendon. He joins hooker George Bell and centre Billy Proctor as players forced to return home due to injury.
Coach Dave Rennie has decided not to call up an immediate replacement for Clarke, stating the team is comfortable with their current outside-back coverage. The squad is also monitoring the fitness of fullback Damian McKenzie, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Other players, including Cam Roigard and Will Jordan, are expected to be available for the opening Test at Ellis Park.
Despite the setbacks, the All Blacks recently secured a 50-19 victory over the Bulls in Pretoria during their final tune-up match. Richie Mo’unga has rejoined the squad as an injury replacement for Billy Proctor and is expected to feature in upcoming matches.
Entities
All Blacks · Caleb Clarke · Damian McKenzie · Dave Rennie · South Africa · Springboks
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hooker George Bell was sidelined by a calf injury sustained during training. www.ghanamma.com · rugbylad.ie
- [● 3 SOURCES] Winger Caleb Clarke has been ruled out of the remainder of the South Africa tour due to a ruptured shoulder tendon. www.ghanamma.com · rugbylad.ie
- [● 3 SOURCES] Centre Billy Proctor suffered a fractured shoulder blade during a match against the Stormers. www.ghanamma.com · rugbylad.ie
- [● 2 SOURCES] Will Jordan is facing a back injury ahead of the first test against the Springboks. rugbylad.ie
- [● 3 SOURCES] Coach Dave Rennie will not call up an immediate injury replacement for Clarke. www.ghanamma.com · rugbylad.ie
- [● 3 SOURCES] Caleb Clarke is the third player from the touring squad to be forced home due to injury. www.ghanamma.com · rugbylad.ie
- [● 3 SOURCES] Clarke requires surgery to address his shoulder injury. www.ghanamma.com · rugbylad.ie