Rugby: Kerr-Barlow faces lengthy injury layoff

The All Blacks have some injury concerns to go with their disappointment at losing to South Africa in Johannesburg this morning.

Halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow has a suspected torn cruciate ligament, which, if confirmed, would end his season and see him miss the upcoming test against Australia in Brisbane and the end-of-year tour of the United States and the UK.

It is likely he will undergo scans on the damaged knee tomorrow.

Kerr-Barlow came on as a second-half tactical substitute for Aaron Smith but only lasted a handful of minutes before he was injured in a kick charge-down.

With Smith unable to resume the field, the All Blacks were forced to play the final stage of the match with Colin Slade moonlighting as halfback.

Lock Jeremy Thrush was also in the wars, receiving a blow to the head. The All Blacks camp suspect he may have been concussed by the knock, but have yet to confirm that.