Chief Cruden sidelined for 8 weeks

Double Super Rugby champions the Chiefs have announced that co-captain and first five-eighth Aaron Cruden will miss up to eight weeks of rugby due to an injury picked up on tour.

The Chiefs finished their Super Rugby tour of South Africa on Saturday with a 43-all draw against the Cheetahs n which Cruden broke his thumb.

The Chiefs have released a statement saying that the All Black No.10 broke his left thumb playing for the Chiefs on Saturday and is expected to miss Super Rugby for six to eight weeks of rugby.

At the conclusion of the match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, Cruden went to hospital for an x-ray which identified a fracture in the thumb.

Cruden is the second All Black to break his left thumb this season as captain Richie McCaw broke his playing for the Crusaders last month and he too is expected to miss up to two months of rugby.

Carter out of Rugby Championship opener

The All Blacks will be without super star Dan Carter as they begin the defence of their Rugby Championship trophy this weekend against Australia.

Carter has suffered a calf strain that could see him miss up to four weeks of action. Coach Steve Hansen confirmed earlier today that the pivot would not take part in this weekend and next weekend’s encounters with their cross Tasman foe.

Carters injury clears the way for Chiefs pivot Aaron Cruden to add to his 22 caps and will probably see the Hurricanes Beauden Barrett come off the bench.

“It’s not a big deal for me, It’s disappointing for Dan and disappointing for all of us, I guess. But that’s the nature of the beast, isn’t it? Rugby’s a contact sport and people get injured.” Commented the All Black Coach.

“I don’t think we need to be too keen on getting rid of him. We’ll see how he goes over this period, The scans show it’s not a biggie, it’s something that’s a nuisance more than anything else.” He added.

Hansen also expressed his confidence in Cruden as a replacement after winning back to back Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs.

“He’s ready to rumble, He’s also played a couple of Tests this year and understands what we’re trying to do. He’s part of the leadership group so it’s business as usual.” Hansen said.

MM