All Blacks lose Moody for remainder of Rugby Championship

New Zealand prop Joe Moody has been ruled out of the rest of the Rugby Championship after fracturing his left thumb.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury in his side’s 40-12 Bledisloe Cup victory over Australia on Saturday.

Moody will be out of action for around six weeks, with Angus Ta’avao called up as his replacement.

Head coach Steve Hansen said: “Moods has had an x-ray which has revealed a fracture in his left thumb. 

“He doesn’t need surgery but will be in a cast for six weeks and, unfortunately, will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship.  

“The good news is he’ll be back in time for the Northern Tour to Japan and Europe.”

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