Caleb Clarke has been ruled out of the remainder of New Zealand's South African tour after scans confirmed a ruptured tendon in his shoulder, sustained during Tuesday's match against the Sharks. The injury requires surgery, with a return-to-play timeline dependent on the outcome of that procedure.
Clarke's departure is the third tour casualty for the All Blacks, following hooker George Bell — who left before the tour began with a calf injury, replaced by Bradley Slater — and centre Billy Proctor, who suffered a fractured shoulder blade last week. Proctor's absence has already prompted the recall of Richie Mo'unga, who arrived in South Africa on Friday, though Dave Rennie has indicated he is unlikely to feature in the first Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test against the Springboks on 22 August at Ellis Park.
Rennie confirmed no replacement will be called up for Clarke at this stage. "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," he said.
The wing stocks are stretched, however. Will Jordan remains a doubt with a back injury, and fullback Damian McKenzie is managing a twisted ankle ahead of Saturday's match against the Bulls at Loftus. Clarke had been considered a frontrunner for a Test starting berth.
Rennie does have alternatives. Rieko Ioane, deployed in midfield against the Bulls on Saturday, can cover the wing, while Fehi Fineanganofo — who scored a hat-trick against the Sharks on Tuesday — offers another option. Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby are both in the matchday mix against the Bulls.