New Zealand's bid to retain the Rugby World Cup this Autumn has been dealt a blow with the news that fly half Aaron Cruden is to miss the next six months with injury.

Cruden, who has overtaken Dan Carter for the All Blacks number ten jersey, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg.

The 26 year old suffered the injury in a Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders on Friday morning.

The Chiefs fly half has previously suffered World Cup heartbreak when he only lasted half an hour in the 2011 World Cup final against France due to a knee injury.

This years World Cup is expected to come just too soon for Cruden to force his way back into the squad.

Cruden faces six months out of rugby - http://t.co/vGc7NBGxhc #allblacks @ChiefsRugby pic.twitter.com/4pR3fR7rgW

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) April 20, 2015