The Crusaders face an anxious wait over the severity of Will Jordan’s knee injury, with potential implications for New Zealand’s July Tests against France.
The All Blacks fullback was forced off during the first quarter of last week’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Chiefs, a momentum-shifting departure that preceded the Saders’ collapse from 19-3 up to a 35-19 defeat.
“Will Jordan suffered a medical ligament sprain on Saturday night against the Chiefs,” the Crusaders confirmed in a statement.
“The Crusaders medical team are unable to determine his return to play time frame at this stage; they are gathering more information and will have an update later this week.”
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While initial indications suggest the 27-year-old could return before the Super Rugby season concludes, the timing places Jordan’s availability for Scott Robertson’s All Blacks in question.
The recovery time for a ligament strain in the knee, depending on the severity, is from one to 12 weeks, with the Super Rugby regular season ending on the weekend of 30 and 31 May.
The three-Test series between the All Blacks and Les Bleus in New Zealand kicks off on 5 July.
Jordan has established himself as one of world rugby’s premier outside backs, particularly impressing in the No 15 jumper for the national team last year.
The third-placed Crusaders travel to Sydney this Friday to face the eighth-placed Waratahs, with Rob Penney’s men hoping for positive news when further medical evaluations are completed.
Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
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