The All-Blacks have dropped Aaron Cruden for missing their flight to Argentina after a night of getting ossified drunk.
Cruden was set to be the starting fly-half for New Zealand in the absence of Dan Carter but the World Cup holders will have to call up a replacement for their matches against Argentina and South Africa. However, the Chiefs kicker will have to sit this tour out.
All-Blacks coach Steve Hansen explained his surprise at his player's behaviour in a press conference for the tour.
After going out and drinking he is not here. As a consequence of those actions he won't be coming on the Argentinian or South African leg of the trip.
He's extremely disappointed in himself. He understands there has to be a consequence for his actions. Once we get this out of the way he'll be coming back into the group when we go to Brisbane.
It's not what we stand for and it's not what he stands for. I guess we all make mistakes. Like our children, we love our children but sometimes we don't like our behaviour.
The temptation for Cruden to drown his sorrows must be intense, but perhaps it wouldn't be the best course of action in this instance..
[New Zealand Herald]
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
