All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore faces spending the rest of the year on the rugby sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in last night's Super 14 semifinal between Hurricanes and Waratahs in Sydney.
Hurricanes medical staff today deemed Hurricanes captain Hore, 31, may need a reconstruction of his left shoulder, which typically requires six months of recuperation.
If so, Hore won't be available until mid-November, by which time the All Blacks will have departed on their season-ending tour, while the provincial season will also be over.
That would be a massive blow to All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who almost certainly would have planned to field Hore in the No 2 jersey for the bulk of tests this year. The 47-test veteran has enjoyed an excellent season for the Hurricanes and was in top form during last year's season-ending tour.
Even if a reconstruction isn't required, Taranaki strongman Hore is likely to be out for at least six weeks, meaning he is sure to miss the June home tests against Ireland and Wales.
Medical staff will reassess the injury early next week before making a decision.
Hore left the Sydney Football Stadium holding his arm in the 23rd minute of last night's season-ending 32-16 loss. He took a heavy knock at a breakdown and reeled away in pain.
Centre Conrad Smith's initial assessment was grim.
"It must be pretty serious, he wouldn't go off if it was just a niggle," he said.
"He's been brilliant all year. When we've been down he's the one to talk, he's the voice, he's been the leader for us all year. It was tough to lose him."
Hore's absence will shine the spotlight on a relative lack of international-class hookers in New Zealand.
Veteran Blues captain Keven Mealamu is sure to now be Henry's the first-choice rake, while Chiefs pair Aled de Malmanche and Hika Elliot, along with Crusaders Corey Flynn and Ti'i Paulo stand out as backup options.
