Rugby: Crotty out for four weeks

Ryan Crotty
Ryan Crotty
Midfielder Ryan Crotty has been ruled out for four weeks after fracturing a jaw bone in the big win over the Wallabies at Eden Park last night.

Crotty, in for the injured Ma'a Nonu, performed well in his first start for the All Blacks in their 51-20 demolition job and played on after suffering the injury before being replaced by Malakai Fekitoa at halftime.

Coach Steve Hansen said Nonu was a possibility to return from his shoulder problem for the next test against Argentina in Napier in a fortnight.

Wing Cory Jane got a knock to a knee and was replaced in the second half, substitute Beauden Barrett rolled an ankle but played on, and first-five Aaron Cruden suffered a pectoral problem. However, all three are likely to be available.

Ten players have been released to play ITM Cup this weekend, including fullback Israel Dagg, who has not been required for selection for the All Blacks for the past fortnight.

Dagg will play for Hawkes Bay in their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Counties in Pukekohe on Saturday.

Also released are Colin Slade and Joe Moody (Canterbury), TJ Perenara and Jeremy Thrush (Wellington), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Waikato), Steven Luatua, Charles Piutau and Charlie Faumuina (Auckland) and Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty).

- By Patrick McKendry of APNZ

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