The All Blacks have suffered a major setback with Ruben Love ruled out for the remainder of the year after suffering an ankle ligament injury.
The Hurricanes star will undergo surgery and miss the Bledisloe Cup Tests against the Wallabies as well as the end-of-year Nations Champions matches. Love has started all but one of New Zealand’s Tests this year, missing only the defeat to the Springboks in Baltimore during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
He was also pivotal in the Hurricanes’ run to their first Super Rugby Pacific title in 10 years, establishing himself as Dave Rennie’s first-choice No 10.
The All Blacks confirmed the extent of Love’s injury on Monday.
“Ruben Love will undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle ligament injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the year,” an All Blacks statement read. “Wishing Ruben all the best with his surgery and recovery.”
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Love’s injury was first reported by Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown, with host Kirsty Stanaway describing it as a major blow for New Zealand. Former All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden also expressed his disappointment for Love.
“I am devastated for Rube, because he earned it through the way that he played and conducted himself through Super Rugby,” Cruden said. “What a test to go and challenge yourself against the world champions over in South Africa. So yeah, I think all of us are just thinking of Ruben right now, hoping that he recovers really quickly, but it’s a good chance for him now to go and reflect on what a year it’s been.”
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Richie Mo’unga and Josh Jacomb have been named in the squad as flyhalf options, while Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett are also potential options at No 10.
Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
The post All Blacks dealt Love blow appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The All Blacks have suffered a major setback with Ruben Love ruled out for the remainder of the year after suffering an ankle ligament injury.
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