World Cup blow for Cruden
All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden is holding out faint hope, despite reports that he has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.
It was confirmed on Monday that he will need to undergo reconstructive surgery.
The Chiefs No.10, Cruden, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee – an injury he suffered in their emphatic 26-9 Super Rugby victory over the Crusaders last Friday.
Cruden limped off in the 19th minute of the encounter in Christchurch.
In a statement the Chiefs confirmed that Cruden will see a surgeon on Wednesday to arrange a knee reconstruction in the coming weeks.
"Traditional reconstruction surgery has been deemed to be the most appropriate, given Aaron's young age and long-term career prospects," the statement said.
The expected return to play time for this sort of surgery is six months.
The timeframe make it virtually impossible for Cruden to join the All Blacks for the World Cup in England in September and October.
Even if he returns in four months, it still leave him with no time to get match fit.
"It's obviously hugely disappointing for Crudes [Cruden] and we will be supporting him as he goes through this tough time and we wish him all the best with his surgery and rehab over the next few months," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
"He has developed into a very good Test All Black and is a key member of our team.
"He will be a loss for the Chiefs and the All Blacks, and we wish him all the best with his surgery and rehab over the next few months.
"However, as selectors we plan for these unfortunate events and are constantly looking to build depth in all positions across the team."
The All Blacks have plenty of cover at pivot, with Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade all wearing the No .10 jersey at Test level.
An 'extremely disappointed' Cruden, however, refused to let go of his World Cup dream.
"No," he said when asked if he has ruled himself out of the global tournament.
"If you look at the last World Cup there were a few injuries and guys getting called in late.
"So I guess, all going well with rehab and recovery – who knows what can happen.
"But at this stage I can't put all my energy into that.
"I just have to make sure that I go up to Auckland, see the surgeon, make a plan and attack it one step at a time."
Cruden was initially left out of the squad for New Zealand's triumphant World Cup campaign on home soil four years ago, but drafted in after Dan Carter suffered a groin injury.
A subsequent injury to Colin Slade saw him claim the number 10 jersey for the semifinal and final and he played the first half an hour of the title decider against France before suffering another knee injury.
