All Blacks dealt fresh injury blow as Caleb Clarke ruled out of Greatest Rivalry

According to the New Zealand Herald, the 27-year-old Blues star will require surgery, leaving the timeframe for his return to rugby uncertain.

The All Blacks confirmed that no injury replacement will be called up "at this point", although that could change after Saturday's clash with the Bulls.

"Caleb Clarke will be returning home from South Africa, after scans revealed he ruptured a tendon in his shoulder during Tuesday night's game against the Sharks," the All Blacks said in a statement.

"All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie said an injury replacement will not be called in at this point."

Clarke's injury is another setback for Rennie, coming just days after centre Billy Proctor was ruled out of the tour with a serious shoulder injury suffered in the 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town.

Earlier in the tour, hooker George Bell sustained a calf injury and was replaced by Bradley Slater.

Richie Mo'unga was brought in to replace Proctor, strengthening New Zealand's playmaking options, but Clarke's departure leaves Rennie with another backline selection headache.

The All Blacks' current wing options are Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, Fehi Fineanganofo, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby and Emoni Narawa, although Jordan has yet to feature on tour due to a back problem.

Rennie also has some positional flexibility, with centres Jordie Barrett and Timoci Tavatavanawai capable of covering on the wing. Barrett, however, is well established at inside centre.

New Zealand are preparing for a testing clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, their third match of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour, with the first Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park following a week later.

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