WELLINGTON: Flyhalf Aaron Cruden missed the All Blacks’ flight to Argentina on Sunday after a drinking session the night before and will not play in the team’s Rugby Championship tour matches against the Pumas and South Africa.
Cruden was reprimanded by coach Steve Hansen, who will likely pick Beauden Barrett to replace the 25-year-old for Saturday’s clash against Argentina in La Plata and the following week’s match against the Springboks.
Though the team initially said Cruden had been left behind because of the late-night excursion, Hansen said in Argentina that he had missed the flight.
“We didn’t have a curfew. He was out drinking and he didn’t get there in time,” Hansen said.
“It’s obviously disappointing and out of character for (Aaron). He’s extremely disappointed in himself. He understands there has to be a consequence for his actions.” Reuters