New Zealand’s halfback crisis has deepened, with Cortez Ratima the latest No 9 in doubt for the Springboks’ looming visits to Auckland and Wellington.

The Chiefs scrumhalf, who started the opening two Tests of the Rugby Championship, limped off in the 18th minute against Argentina in Buenos Aires after diving on a loose ball. It followed earlier blows for the All Blacks, with Cameron Roigard sidelined by a foot fracture and Noah Hotham recovering from ankle surgery.

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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson admitted after the match he was concerned.

“He’s a tough little fella, so for him to come off, he’s pretty sore.”

While Ratima has since been cleared of a serious chest injury, New Zealand Rugby confirmed further tests in Auckland will determine his return-to-play timeline. With Roigard and Hotham still unavailable, the All Blacks could be left with just Finlay Christie and uncapped Kyle Preston to face the Springboks.

That scenario would likely force Robertson to draft in cover, with Xavier Roe, Folau Fakatava and Mitchell Drummond all in contention, while former All Black wing Jeff Wilson has called for U20 star Dylan Pledger to be fast-tracked.

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It means the All Blacks could go into their heavyweight clashes against South Africa – including the blockbuster at Eden Park on 6 September – with the No 9 jersey in the hands of a newcomer at international level.

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images