Caleb Clarke: All Blacks Star Ruled Out of New Zealand’s South Africa Tour After Undergoing Surgery
- All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke sustained a ruptured shoulder tendon during the 54-0 win over the Sharks in Durban
- Clarke becomes the third New Zealand player sidelined from the tour, joining Billy Proctor and George Bell
- Key All Blacks backs Will Jordan and Cam Roigard are also managing injuries ahead of the Test series
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New Zealand winger Caleb Clarke has been ruled out of the All Blacks' ongoing tour of South Africa after rupturing a shoulder tendon, the team confirmed on Friday evening.
Clarke suffered the injury during Tuesday's 54-0 demolition of the Sharks in Durban and will require surgery before a recovery timeline can be established. The All Blacks confirmed he will not be replaced in the touring squad immediately.
"I am gutted to be going home because I've loved my time here so much," Clarke said in a statement.
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**3 All Blacks Players Sidelined**
Clarke is the third New Zealand player to have his tour cut short. Outside-centre Billy Proctor previously sustained a fractured shoulder blade, while hooker George Bell was ruled out with a calf injury. Bell has been replaced by Bradley Slater, and Proctor by Richie Mo'unga.
Adding to New Zealand's injury concerns, outside back Will Jordan (back) and scrum-half Cam Roigard (calf) are both managing niggles and have been carefully managed ahead of the Test series against the Springboks.
The depth of the All Blacks' squad faces a severe test as they prepare for their next tour fixture against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
**Springboks Sweat Over Kolisi**
On the South African side, the Springboks face their own selection uncertainty surrounding captain Siya Kolisi, who aggravated a hamstring strain during their one-off Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
However, locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, along with flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, all came through that match without incident. All three are expected to feature in the first Test against the All Blacks on Saturday, 22 August at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
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Source: Briefly News
