All Blacks fly-half ruled out of Rugby World Cup
A horrible sense of déjà vu hung over New Zealand Monday as the news broke that All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden would miss the Rugby World Cup after rupturing an anterior cruciate knee ligament.
The Kiwi public had to cope with a succession of doom-laden medical bulletins during the World Cup four years ago. Dan Carter was the first to fall and Cruden, who was one of those to step forward, was injured in the final.
It meant that Stephen Donald, who had been summoned from a fishing holiday during the tournament, came on to kick the winning goal in New Zealand’s 8-7 win against France.
NewZealand are blessed with a surplus of high-quality fly-halves, headed by Carter, with Cruden vying with Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade for the coveted shirt. Cruden has proved a performer of great note, a relatively small man doing big things and an antidote to the notion that modern Test rugby has to be all about size and power.
Cruden relies on his instincts and footballing skill (it was his audacious tap-and-go that enabled New Zealand to edge clear of England in the final minutes of the first Test in Auckland last June when the scores were tied).
The 26-year-old has won 37 caps, scoring 280 points and started in the 24-21 win over England at Twickenham in November.
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said Cruden’s loss was a blow. “It’s hugely disappointing for Crudes and we will be supporting him as he goes through this tough time,” Hansen said.
Cruden goes under the surgeon’s knife in Auckland on Wednesday. His recovery period is expected to last six months.