All Blacks captain Savea plans shoulder surgery

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea will undergo shoulder surgery after dislocating it during New Zealand’s 29-24 loss to South Africa, ruling him out of next month’s two-test Bledisloe Cup series against Australia. New Zealand Rugby said his recovery timeline will not be known until after the operation, but a typical four- to six-month rehabilitation could keep him sidelined through the end of the year. The injury adds to a major casualty list after South Africa won the four-test series 3-1, with loose forward Luke Jacobson and winger Caleb Clarke also expected to miss the remainder of the season. Centers Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor face shorter absences, while several other injured players could return in time for the Australia tests.