The All Blacks have suffered a significant blow ahead of the opening Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on 22 August, with winger Caleb Clarke ruled out of the entire series. Scans revealed Clarke ruptured a tendon in his shoulder during New Zealand's midweek victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks, an injury requiring surgery with no confirmed recovery timeline.
Clarke's departure marks the third injury setback for coach Dave Rennie's touring party. Centre Billy Proctor suffered a fractured shoulder blade in the tour-opening win over the Stormers in Cape Town, whilst hooker George Bell returned home with a calf injury before the tour commenced. Proctor has been replaced by fly-half Richie Mo'unga, who arrived on Friday but is unlikely to feature in the first Test, whilst uncapped hooker Bradley Slater was called up for Bell.
Rennie confirmed Clarke would not be replaced. "We are comfortable with the outside backs cover we have at the moment, so will not be bringing another squad member in to replace Caleb unless further injuries necessitate it," Rennie said. "We are all feeling for Caleb and really sorry to see his Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour come to an early end. He's an important member of our group, both on and off-field, so we look forward to him making a full recovery."
The 35-Test winger's absence compounds selection concerns for the All Blacks, with Will Jordan reportedly an injury doubt with a back complaint and fullback Damian McKenzie struggling with a twisted ankle ahead of Saturday's fixture against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.