Bledisloe Cup Rugby: All Black star George Bridge’s season is likely to end after a freak injury during a gym session

The All Blacks have taken another major blow as they prepare for the second round of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park on Sunday, with George Bridge’s season likely over after a rare injury in training.

Bridge started at left end in a tie with the Wallabies in Wellington last week, playing all 88 minutes and setting up the second-half strike from running back Aaron Smith after pausing on a set lineout move.

Bridge is known to have sustained a serious chest injury while training with weights in the gym this week, and is now expected to be out for up to six months.

The Herald understands that young utility running back Will Jordan was supposed to be released, along with wing Sevu Reece and prop Tyrel Lomax, to join Tasman for their 10 Miter Cup match against Auckland at Eden Park on Saturday.

In the wake of Bridge’s injury, Jordan has been held back at the All Blacks camp.

Bridge’s injury may pave the way for Blues wing Caleb Clarke to be elevated to the All Blacks starting team.

Clarke impressed in his test debut from the bench last week with several powerful carries pressing his case for more playing time.

Far from being intimidated by stepping into the test arena, the 21-year-old immediately seemed at home, and would relish the opportunity to race on his field.

With Bridge out, the All Blacks will be forced to reorganize their three defenses.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster can start with Beauden Barrett at fullback, his brother Jordie on the right and Clarke on the left, unless he and fellow selectors Grant Fox and John Plumtree choose to trade Rieko Ioane. from the center to the edge where he has started 25 of his 30 tests.

Losing Bridge is the latest injury to hit the All Blacks.

Veteran lock Sam Whitelock is a dubious starter after suffering post-game headaches that could see Scott Barrett being thrown straight for his first game in three months after toe surgery.

Richie Mo’unga is also healing a bruised shoulder and Beauden Barrett continues to grapple with an Achilles problem that forced him to retire two days before the inaugural test of the Bledisloe Cup last week, with Damian McKenzie taking his place in the part. rear.

Otago playmaker Josh Ioane was called up to camp earlier this week as injury cover, but has since been released, indicating that Mo’unga and Barrett have done enough to prove their fitness.

Otago hooker Liam Coltman and Wellington midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen also trained with the All Blacks but have likewise been released to play for their respective provincial teams this weekend.