All Blacks lose Caleb Clarke as South Africa tour injury list grows

New Zealand’s injury problems on their Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa have worsened, with winger Caleb Clarke set to fly home after rupturing a shoulder tendon.

Clarke is the third All Blacks player to suffer an injury during the tour. Hooker George Bell and centre Billy Proctor have already left the squad, with Bradley Slater and Richie Mo’unga brought in as their replacements.

The All Blacks are not currently calling up another player to replace Clarke.

Clarke sustained the injury during New Zealand’s 54-0 win over the Sharks on Tuesday. He played in that match before the shoulder tendon problem was confirmed late on Friday.

His departure leaves the All Blacks facing another change to their squad during a tour that has now seen three players ruled out through injury. Bell and Proctor were the first two players to be replaced, while Clarke will return home without a replacement being named at this stage.

The latest setback comes as New Zealand continue their Greatest Rivalry Tour in South Africa. Clarke had been part of the group that secured a commanding victory over the Sharks, but the shoulder injury suffered in that game means he will no longer remain with the touring party.

The All Blacks have therefore lost a hooker, a centre and a winger since the start of the tour. Bell’s place was taken by Slater, while Mo’unga replaced Proctor. Clarke’s position, however, is not being filled for now.

The news adds to the growing injury concerns around New Zealand’s squad and represents the third enforced change to the group. The All Blacks confirmed the decision late on Friday, with Clarke now set to fly home.

The tour has also included discussion around Tony Brown’s impact with the Springboks, with that influence causing concern for an All Blacks legend. However, the immediate issue for New Zealand is the loss of Clarke, who has become the latest player unavailable after the team’s emphatic victory against the Sharks.

At this point, no further replacement has been announced.