All Blacks injury toll worsens as Caleb Clarke heads home before Springboks tests

New Zealand winger Caleb Clarke became the third All Blacks player sent home from their historic rugby tour of South Africa after rupturing a shoulder tendon during a 54-0 win against the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday. The injury requires surgery, and a recovery timeframe will only be determined after the operation, the All Blacks confirmed on Friday, August 14, 2026. Clarke's departure worsens New Zealand's injury crisis ahead of their upcoming test series against the Springboks, which was still a week away at the time of the announcement.