'All Blacks can cover Aaron Cruden loss'

01:43 - 20 April 2015

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Steve Hansen was not panicking upon hearing the news he was likely to be without Aaron Cruden for their Rugby World Cup defence.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said his side is prepared to cope with the loss of fly-half Aaron Cruden, who will miss six months due to a ruptured ACL.

While Cruden has not been officially ruled out of contention for New Zealand's Rugby World Cup defence starting in September, his six-month recovery period - if all goes to plan - would only see him regain fitness for the knockout stages in England and Wales.

Hansen rued the loss of Cruden, 26, but said they had contingencies in place so the Chiefs playmaker's absence would not affect them.

"It's obviously hugely disappointing for Crudes and we will be supporting him as he goes through this tough time," Hansen said, according to the All Blacks' Twitter account.

"He has developed into a very good Test All Black and is a key member of our team. He will be a loss for the Chiefs and the All Blacks and we wish him all the best with his surgery and rehab over the next few months.

"As we know in the game of rugby, there are always going to be injuries and as selectors we plan for these unfortunate events and are constantly looking to build depth in all positions across the team."