Aaron Cruden set to miss World Cup with serious knee injury
Monday 20 April 2015 10:06, UK
New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden is almost certain to miss the World Cup after rupturing knee ligaments in a Super Rugby match over the weekend.
The 26-year-old, who has played 37 Tests for the All Blacks, suffered the left knee injury in the first half of Waikato Chiefs' 26-9 victory over Canterbury Crusaders on Friday.
Scans have since revealed the severity of the injury, which could keep him out for as long as six months. The Rugby World Cup starts in the middle of September in England.
"Aaron has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee. He will see a surgeon on Wednesday to arrange a knee reconstruction in the coming weeks," the Chiefs said in a statement.
"Traditional reconstruction surgery has been deemed to be the most appropriate given Aaron's young age and long-term career prospects. The expected return to play time for this sort of surgery is six months."
Cruden is not giving up his hopes of making the tournament and hopes he can make a quicker recovery than the specialists would usually expect.
"I haven't completely ruled out making the World Cup," he said. "Looking at the last World Cup there were a few injuries and guys getting called in late so I guess, all going well with my rehab and my recovery ticks along nicely, then who knows what can happen.
"But at this stage I can't put all my energy into that. I just have to make sure I go up to Auckland on Wednesday, see the surgeon and make a plan from there and attack it step by step."
Cruden's potential loss is a big one for the reigning champions, although Steve Hansen still has Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett to call on.
Hansen could also use Colin Slade, who has agreed to leave New Zealand and sign for Pau after the World Cup.
"It's obviously hugely disappointing for Crudes and we will be supporting him as he goes through this tough time," Hansen said.
"He has developed into a very good Test All Black and is a key member of our team. He will be a loss for the Chiefs and the All Blacks.
"As we know in the game of rugby, there are always going to be injuries and as selectors we plan for these unfortunate events and are constantly looking to build depth in all positions across the team."
