Report: All Blacks star Aaron Cruden tears ACL and could miss World Cup

Could we see another cut of Ireland's World Cup odds?

Huge blow for New Zealand's World Cup defence with the news that out-half Aaron Cruden could miss the tournament with a torn cruciate ligament. The Chiefs star injured his knee during yesterday's victory over Crusaders and it looks like All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen's worst fears have been realised. https://twitter.com/GuyHeveldt/status/589730298977390592 Cruden has started 10 of New Zealand's last 16 test matches, and his absence would severely reduce Hansen's options at ten and place a heavy burden on ageing legend Dan Carter. Beauden Barrett's emergence on the international scene, in the past two years, may alleviate some of the burden on Carter, but All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will hope Cruden's injury is not as bad as first feared.