All Black wings' season cut short

All Black winger George Bridge is set for a six-month spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious pectoral injury while weight-training in the gym this week, the All Blacks have confirmed.

Bridge started on the wing in the draw with the Wallabies in Wellington last week, playing all 88 minutes and set up one of the All Blacks' tries but that may have been his last test for the next six month.

Bridge has been a mainstay in the side since the start of 2019 and has starred in the black jersey as well as with the Crusaders. His injury has meant that young utility back, Will Jordan, remains in the All Black squad after he was meant to be released, along with wing Sevu Reece and prop Tyrel Lomax, to join Tasman for their Mitre 10 Cup match against Auckland at Eden Park on Saturday. He has instead remained with the side.

UPDATE: All Blacks winger George Bridge will be out of rugby for up to six months after suffering a chest injury in field training yesterday. He’ll be assessed over the next 48 hours to determine the next course of action. pic.twitter.com/4RGQnjvaxA

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 15, 2020

Caleb Clarke may well benefit from the injury with a first start for the All Blacks after an impressive showing from the bench in Wellington. 

Losing Bridge is the latest injury to hit the All Blacks with Sam Whitelock a doubtful starter after suffering post-match headaches while Beauden Barrett will have a fitness test on Friday to confirm his availability.

Richie Mo'unga is also nursing a bruised shoulder which has led to Josh Ioane being called into camp earlier this week as injury cover but he has since been released.