Cruden concern for All Blacks

This follows after All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden failed to return to the playing field in the second half the Chiefs' Super Rugby 17-14 win over the Hurricanes on Friday.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie told journalists Cruden had suffered medial ligament damage to his knee in an incident late in the first half.

"I think maybe a medial strain," Rennie said.

"[I am] not sure of the degree of it. Hopefully [it is] not too bad," Rennie added.

His availability for the Test against Samoa in Auckland next Friday won't become clear until he is assessed further.

Despite having signed a contract with French club Montpellier, Cruden was included in the All Blacks squad for the Samoan Test and the subsequent three-match series against the British and Irish Lions.

Hurricanes rival Beauden Barrett is likely to be the first-choice Test No.10 after leapfrogging Cruden for the role last year.

The All Blacks assemble in Auckland on Sunday, at which point there should be a clearer idea of Cruden's situation.

Sources: NZ Newswire & stuff.co.nz