The All Blacks have lost their third player on tour, with winger Caleb Clarke, who was a favourite to start the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry test series against the Springboks, having to return home with an injury.
The injury compounds a minor headache for coach Dave Rennie as the team heads into their third tour match against the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday in Pretoria, especially with winger Will Jordan still an injury doubt with a back injury and fullback Damian McKenzie struggling with a twisted ankle.
The All Blacks already lost centre Billy Proctor last week, opening up the return of Richie Mo’unga to the side. Mo’unga arrived on Friday but is unlikely to play in the first test on 22 August against the Springboks at Ellis Park. Proctor had a fractured shoulder blade.
Earlier, hooker George Bell had to return home with a calf injury before the tour had kicked off, and was replaced by Bradley Slater.
“Caleb Clarke will be returning home from South Africa, after scans revealed he ruptured a tendon in his shoulder during Tuesday night's game against the Sharks,” a team statement said.
“The injury will require surgery and a return to play timeframe will not be known until after the surgery is complete.”
All Blacks Head Coach Dave Rennie said an injury replacement will not be called in at this point.
"We are comfortable with the outside backs cover we have at the moment, so will not be bringing another squad member in to replace Caleb unless further injuries necessitate it.
"We are all feeling for Caleb and really sorry to see his Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour come to an early end. He's an important member of our group, both on and off-field, so we look forward to him making a full recovery."
Clarke said: "I am gutted to be going home because I've loved my time here so much. But I am staying positive and excited about what's ahead, so will make the most of my recovery to make sure I'm at my best when I'm ready to return to rugby."
The winger position is wide open at the moment, but the All Blacks do have options as Rieko Ioane, who plays in the midfield on Saturday, can also cover wing and Fehi Fineanganofo scored a hat-trick of tries against the Sharks on Tuesday and is also an option.
The All Blacks also have wingers Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby, who will line-up against the Bulls on Saturday.