All Blacks wing Clarke out of South Africa series

New Zealand wing Caleb Clarke will miss the upcoming South Africa series after suffering a shoulder tendon injury during the All Blacks' 54-0 win over the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday, according to scans. The experienced winger is set to return home for surgery, with no indication as to when he may be able to resume playing. Coach Dave Rennie confirmed that there will be no injury replacement for Clarke, who has scored 16 tries in 35 Tests, stating that the team is comfortable with the current outside backs cover.

Rennie expressed sympathy for the 33-year-old Clarke, who has been an integral part of the group both on and off-field, and emphasized that they look forward to his full recovery. Two other New Zealand players, Billy Proctor and George Bell, have already returned home due to injuries, with Proctor suffering a shoulder injury in the opening match against the Stormers and Bell injuring his calf during training.

They were replaced by Richie Mo'unga and Bradley Slater, respectively. The first Test of the four-match series against the world champions Springboks is scheduled for August 22 at Johannesburg's Ellis Park.