All Blacks lose Billy Proctor to shoulder fracture before Sharks match

New Zealand centre Billy Proctor has been ruled out for an extended period after suffering a fractured shoulder blade in the All Blacks’ opening victory on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.

Proctor was injured during New Zealand’s 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday and had to leave the field during the match. The injury will not require surgery, but it means he must return home and will be unavailable for the rest of the immediate tour period.

His departure is the second injury setback suffered by the All Blacks on the tour. Hooker George Bell was forced to leave the squad earlier last week after sustaining an injury in training. Bradley Slater was subsequently brought in as his replacement.

New Zealand have not yet announced a replacement for Proctor, with the squad currently preparing for its second match of the tour against the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.

Proctor’s injury comes after a strong opening result for the All Blacks, who secured a 17-point win against the Stormers in Cape Town. However, the victory was followed by confirmation that their midfield options have been reduced ahead of the next fixture.

The All Blacks will now have to manage the loss of Proctor while they continue the tour. The centre played in the opening match before being forced from the field, and his shoulder blade fracture is expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period despite the absence of a need for surgery.

The match against the Sharks will be New Zealand’s second game of the tour and will take place in Durban. No further replacement has been called up for Proctor at this stage.

The tour has also featured developments elsewhere in South African rugby. A Currie Cup recap reported that Griquas moved to the top of the competition, while the Cheetahs secured a dramatic win over the Stormers. Another report focused on Rassie praising the Springboks’ character after their hard-fought match against Los Pumas.

For the All Blacks, though, attention is now on Tuesday’s meeting with the Sharks and how the squad responds to the latest injury disruption. Proctor’s return home leaves New Zealand with one fewer option after the centre’s early departure from the victory in Cape Town, while Bell’s earlier absence had already required the selection of Slater.

The All Blacks’ next fixture begins at 19:00 in Durban.