All Blacks' costly victory
INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand’s impressive 32-30 win over South Africa was accompanied with a massive injury blow.
Loose forward Sam Cane suffered a neck injury during the late fightback at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Cane was replaced by Ardie Savea in the 35th minute. At first glance, the injury did not appear too serious as the 59 times capped All Black walked off the pitch.
However, in the wake of the match, All Blacks revealed via Twitter that the 26-year-old fractured his neck and will be out of action for several months.
UPDATE: All Blacks loose forward @SamCane7 is to have surgery in Johannesburg today after suffering a fracture in his neck in last night’s Test against South Africa. Expected to make a full recovery. 1/2
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 7, 2018
This means that he will miss the November Test series and could lead to him missing next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Cane is expected to stay in South Africa for another week.
It is a major blow to the New Zeland’s November Tests, having already lost backrow Liam Squire earlier in the Rugby Championship with a shoulder injury.
2/2 All Blacks Doctor Tony Page said Cane had suffered a fracture in a vertebrae but thankfully had not suffered any nerve damage. Cane will stay in South Africa for the week before flying home. Will be out of rugby for several months.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 7, 2018
