19 Jun 2016

Cruden good, but Barrett likely to start next week

2:10 pm on 19 June 2016

The All Blacks first five Aaron Cruden is likely to be rested for the third and final Test against Wales, despite recovering well from the neck injury he suffered in Wellington.

Cruden was taken to hospital after he was taken off the field during the 36-22 second Test win over Wales.

Aaron Cruden runs support for Jerome Kaino (C)

Aaron Cruden runs support for Jerome Kaino (C) Photo: Photosport

But coach Steve Hansen says Cruden is good.

"He got the all clear from the hospital last night and he returned to the hotel to have dinner with the team afterwards."

"He's a bit stiff and sore in the neck and we'll monitor him over the next few days to see whether he is going to be right for next weekend, but the hospital is very happy with him."

Cruden was injured when he was tackled by the biggest man on the park, Welsh lock Luke Charteris, who ended up catching him at a bad angle and accidentally bending his neck over, with the lock's body weight on the diminutive Cruden's neck.

All Black first five Aaron Cruden receives treatment, Wellington 2016.

All Black first five Aaron Cruden receives treatment, Wellington 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

In Cruden's absence, replacement playmaker Beauden Barrett took his chance with an impressive display to help seal their three-match series with a game to spare.

Barrett scored a try and set up another to vice-captain Ben Smith in the second half, after Wales had fought back to 10-10 at half-time.

"He played really well," assistant coach Ian Foster said. "I thought he looked really sharp, he carried the ball strong, made some good decisions particularly with his passing game."

"So overall, he played the sort of game we'd expect him to but it's great to see him look composed in that 10 jersey."

The All Blacks celebrate Beauden Barrett's try against Wales in Wellington.

The All Blacks celebrate Beauden Barrett's try against Wales in Wellington. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

If Cruden doesn't play in Dunedin, coach Steve Hansen has suggested that Barrett could start.

"I think the bloke who came on last night did a pretty good job, we have a good back up with Lima Sopoaga coming off the bench if we do it that way, or we could do it the other way around with Lima starting, but Beauden probably deserves a start."

Barrett has come down with the flu and won't join the squad in Dunedin until Monday.

Meanwhile Malakai Fekitoa has a head cut and a sore knee and will be assessed during the week