NZ skipper Cane out for rest of autumn tour

NEW Zealand captain Sam Cane will miss the rest of his country’s autumn tour after suffering a fractured cheekbone during Saturday’s 38-31 win over Japan.

The 30-year-old back-rower will return home from Tokyo and see a specialist to learn whether he requires surgery on the double break.

He will miss the All Blacks’ clash with Wales on Saturday in Cardiff, in addition to subsequent games against Scotland and England.

Cane managed to complete the match against the Brave Blossoms after sustaining the injury at a lineout with around 10 minutes remaining, before hospital scans revealed two fractures around his left eye.

“Without having done my cheekbone before, I knew I had probably done my cheekbone,” he said, according to allblacks. com.

“I could feel it when I put my hand on my head. And I could feel the blood in my mouth. It was sort of sore but numb at the same time.

“The game was in the balance at that point, and it didn’t restrict my ability to play and perform so I was happy to carry on.”

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles (calf) will also return home. Asafo Aumua and uncapped Highlanders flanker Billy Harmon have been called up as replacements.

Meanwhile, rugby fans have been advised to plan ahead and avoid travelling by train on the day of the Wales v New Zealand match in Cardiff on Saturday.

Severe restrictions are expected as strike action will be taking place on the rail network.

Additionally, there will be a full city centre road closure from 11.15am until 7.15pm on Saturday with bus services due to be diverted while the closures are in place. There will be no trains running from Cardiff after the match, which starts at 3.15pm, and those planning to travel by car have been advised by Cardiff Council to plan ahead as the M4 is expected to be busy.

Fans have been advised to avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using park and ride facilities at the Cardiff City Stadium in Leckwith or County Hall in Cardiff Bay.

Earlier this year there was widespread disruption with 15 miles of queueing traffic when an Ed Sheeran gig in the city coincided with the start of the half-term break, causing some fans to miss the show and Cardiff council’s leader to admit he was “concerned”.