8 Oct 2018

Sam Cane ruled out with fractured neck

6:33 am on 8 October 2018

The All Blacks flanker Sam Cane fractured his neck in yesterday's 32-30 win over the Springboks in Pretoria and will have to remain in South Africa.

All Blacks flanker Sam Cane

All Blacks flanker Sam Cane Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz

The All Blacks sent out a tweet late last night announcing the injury adding Sam Cane will undergo surgery and is expected to stay in South Africa for a week.

All Blacks doctor Tony Page says Cane suffered from a fracture in a vertebrae, but didn't suffer any nerve damage.

The 26-year-old is expected to make a full recovery, but will be side-lined for several months and could possibly miss next year's World cup in Japan.

After trailing by 12 points at the 60 minute mark, the famous 32 to 30 comeback victory came after a try from replacement flanker Ardie Savea in the final minute and a conversion by Richie Mo'unga in the last ten seconds.

Cane left the field with injury 35 minutes into the game.

- RNZ