ALL BLACK OUT-half Aaron Cruden has been suspended for two Rugby Championship matches after going out drinking and missing the New Zealanders’ flight to Argentina, coach Steve Hansen said Monday.
Hansen said Cruden, who has been New Zealand’s first-choice fly-half in the absence of the injured Daniel Carter, would not play against Argentina in La Plata on Saturday or South Africa in Johannesburg a week later.
He said Cruden, 25, “went out drinking late in Auckland on Saturday night and didn’t make flight to Argentina.
“As a consequence of his actions, he has been left at home and will not join squad for Tests against Argentina and South Africa,” Hansen said on the All Blacks official Twitter feed.
“We are extremely disappointed at Aaron’s actions which are out of character. He is embarrassed at his actions.”
The All Blacks were originally due to fly to Argentina on Saturday but the trip was delayed by 24 hours because of a mechanical issue with their plane, giving them an extra night in Auckland.
Cruden has played 35 Tests since making his debut in 2010. His absence opens the way for Beauden Barrett to join the starting side.