All Black Aaron Cruden harbours 'slim chance' of playing in World Cup

Aaron Cruden admits his chances of playing at this year’s World Cup are slim but has certainly not given up hope of experiencing the six-week event which starts in mid-September.

The 26-year-old New Zealand fly-half suffered a serious knee injury playing for the Waikato Chiefs last Friday.

Scans showed he had ruptured ligaments in his left knee which will require reconstruction.

Cruden, who started eight Tests wearing the number 10 shirt for the All Blacks last year, knows the normal period of recuperation from such an operation is around six months.

This year’s World Cup in England runs from September 16 to October 31 and Cruden is well aware that players are called up as replacements during the tournament.

Fourth choice Kiwi fly-half Stephen Donald played the last 46 minutes of the 2011 World Cup final after Cruden left the field during the first half of the match against France.

Cruden picked up a knee problem, while first choice Dan Carter and Colin Slade were sidelined earlier in the tournament due to injuries.

Cruden said: "I haven't completely ruled out making the World Cup.          

"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."

As for sustaining the injury, Cruden added: "It wasn't a contact injury. I was just running, propping off to change direction and was struck down by a sniper.          

"I've had a couple of days to get my head around it and I still don't really know if it's sunk in.

"I just have to put my A into G and focus on getting back as quick as I can and contributing to this team here at the Chiefs and down with the All Blacks if they need me in any way as well.”