Cruden surgery a success

All Black and Chiefs flyhalf Aaron Cruden's knee reconstruction surgery, which took place on Friday, was successful and he is expected to make full recovery.

"He [Cruden] will commence his rehabilitation with the Chiefs in two weeks," the franchise said in a statement.

Cruden ruptured his left knee's anterior cruciate ligament early in the Chiefs' 26-9 Super Rugby win over the Crusaders last month in Christchurch.

Cruden, who made his All Blacks debut against Ireland in 2010, has 37 Test caps and accumulated 280 points for New Zealand.

Knee reconstruction surgery usually involves a six-month recovery period, meaning Cruden almost certainly won't make the World Cup in England beginning on September 18.