The Casualty Ward Rd 9
This week we set a new record with expected comebacks. The Crusaders and almost all the South African sides will welcome back the cavalry for the second half of the season. For all the updates as they come out before round 10 kicks off keep your eyes on our Casualty Ward! This week we welcome back Nabung to episode 8 of our weekly @FantasyXVDraft podcasts. He will be take Nelson's place for the next few weeks while he is away on his honeymoon! You can expect the Pod to be released Tuesday morning (Sydney time). Get amongst it at the following places (Links to be released from Tuesday): Soundcloud: Itunes: Stitcher: If you like what you hear please rate, review, share us and throw some banter on social media. Happy Drafting!
Returned from Injuries in Rd 9:
Damien McKenzie (Chiefs) - Long may the streak continue! 49 Games in a row for the Chiefs, McKenzie didn't seem to bothered by his hip despite only being locked in to play during warm up. Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs) - Hopefully his injury run is over. Ngatai played at full back and showed a few glimpses of the talent that we haven't had the chance to see for an extended period since 2016. Taleni Seu (Chiefs) - Came back from a back "niggle" but came off with an injury again. Details will be updated under new injuries. Michael Allardice (Chiefs) - Picked up a groin injury two days before Rd 6. Started Rd 10 once Ardron failed his concussion test. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) - Pulled pregame last week with a quad strain. As expected he didn't take the goal kicks but it didn't effect his ridiculous all round game. Toby Smith (Hurricanes) – Finally came back from concussion and came straight into the starting lineup. Matt Proctor (Hurricanes) - Missed the last few weeks with a sternum injury, didn't blow the world away but look solid as well. Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders) - "It was thought he had jammed a couple of bones in his foot and might have strained some cartilage around the area". Waiting on an MRI but sounds like he will not miss a game. Source here. Nick Phipps (Waratahs) – Calf injury Feb 7th, has now been left out of the tour squad to Japan for rd 8 because is not fit enough. Played club footy last week and likely Tahs this week. Amanaki Mafi (Rebels) - Played out of his skin for 40 minutes! Didn't come back after half time though, makes you think how early his concussion happened. Should be sweet after the Rd 7 bye but who knows when it comes to concussion. Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels) – Concussion in Rd 5, looked like a bad one and still had symptoms before Rd 7. Wessels seems positive that he should play Rd 8. Izaia Perese (Reds) – Partially torn his ACL against their trial against Fiji. Back training with the team, last weeks reports seemed to suggest he was more likely than Smith to play Rd 9. Will Tupou (Sunwolves) - Pulled mid week before Rd 7 with a thigh contusion (bruising). Expected to be out for 2-3 weeks. Dan Du Preez (Sharks)– Shoulder ligament injury in Rd 1. Meant to be reassessed for round 5 but now will miss the Australasian tour. Expected back Rd 9. Akker Van Der Merwe (Sharks) -Pulled pregame with an injury in Rd 7 then not named in Rd 8. Not really sure what happened with him but he is back on the bench this week. Jacques Vermeulen (Sharks) - Copped a two week suspension for dangerous play so we won't see him again until round 9. RG Snyman (Bulls) – Facial fracture in rd 5, will make his comeback in Rd 9. Source here. Lood de Jager (Bulls) - Missed Rd 7 with a calf injury, Looks like playing in Rd 9. Leonardo Senatore (Jaguares) – Concussion in Rd 2, i'm not sure he is a starter anymore but he has been added to the squad for the Australasian tour starting Rd 9. Source here. Andre Warner (Bulls) – Concussion Rd 5, no news on how he is progressing. [getty src="945654496" width="594" height="396" tld="com.au"] Beauden Barrett didn't miss a beat on his comeback from a quad injury. Credit Getty Images.
New Injuries Rd 9:
Sam Lousi (Hurricanes) - Pulled Pregame with a shoulder injury. Apparently he injured it on Wednesday and didn't recover enough to play. Sam Henwood (Hurricanes) - Head injury assessment early in the game, did not come back. Aidan Ross (Chiefs) - Broke his ankle and had to be stretchered off the field. Gone for the season. Taleni Seu (Chiefs) - Limped off half an hour into the game against the Hurricanes. Apparently his back niggle has flared up again and he is expected to be out for 1-2 weeks. Source here. Joshua Goodhue (Blues) - Came off at half time with an AC joint injury. Should be out for a month so maybe Rd 13. Michael Collins (Blues) - Broke his hand. Expected out for around 5 weeks which would be Rd 14. Source here. Lukhan Tui (Reds) - Has a knee injury, going for surgery so should be out for a while. Source here. Will Genia (Rebels) - Came off with a hamstring injury. Scans have shown it is only a grade 1 tear, he will definitely miss the Bulls this week but could play the week after. Ben Daley (Rebels) - Shoulder injury, not on tour. Jordan Uelese (Rebels) - Came off with a shoulder injury. Still named on the bench Richard Hardwick (Rebels) - Came off with a concussion. Still named on the bench Michael Wells (Waratahs) - Had a shoulder injury. But named to start. Will Miller (Waratahs) - Corked bicep, on track to play this week. Named on the bench Rob Simmons (Waratahs) - Bruised sternum, had an x-ray that ruled out a fracture. Named to play but Gibson said he will still be sore. Isi Naisarani (Brumbies) - Concussed, will not go through the return to play protocols. Kotaro Matsushima (Sunwolves) - Listed on their website as concussed. Not named to play. Yu Tamura (Sunwolves) - Listed on their website as concussed. Not named to play. Shota Horie (Sunwolves) - Listed on their website as concussed. Not named to play. BEAST (Sharks) - Pulled pregame with a groin strain. Kobus van Wyk (Sharks) - Came off injured after only a few minutes on the field. Chiliboy Ralepelle (Sharks) - Ankle injury before half time, played the half out then subbed during the break. Hanro Liebenberg (Bulls) - Injured his knee, sounds like an MCL injury. Getting scans this week, expected to be out for 6-8 weeks so he won't return until after the international break. Nicolas Sanchez (Jaguares) - Did not train on Tuesday, in doubt for the weekend.
Aidan Ross had to be stretchered off the field after a serious ankle injury.
Likely back for this week (Rd 10):
Tyler Ardron (Chiefs) - Failed his fitness test before Rd 9 with a concussion, should play this week. Brad Weber (Chiefs) - Fractured wrist against the Highlanders. Expected back this week via the bench. Augustine Pulu (Blues) – Came off with a foot injury six weeks ago. Expected return was around Rds 9-10 so hopefully he is back this week. Sio Tomkinson (Highlanders) - Sprained an ankle in Rd 8. Was considered touch and go for Rd 9 but didn't end up playing. Probably not a starter anyway. James Lentjes (Highlanders) – Shoulder injury in last preseason game – back in April, is now back running with the squad and played club footy Rd 8. Dan Pryor (Highlanders) – Hamstring injury. Played Club footy During Rd 8 so should be available asap. I don't think he will get a start spot though. Owen Franks (Crusaders) – Achilles rupture in September for NZ- Targeting 21st April (Rd 10) and looks to be on track having played some club footy. Israel Dagg (Crusaders) – Knee Injury from 2017. Targeting 21st April Rd 10. Jordan Taufua (Crusaders) - Wasn't in the squad against the Jaguares but no idea why. Some articles suggest he is injured, others that he was being rested. Wes Goosen (Hurricanes) - Broke his jaw against the Chiefs in Rd 9. This was found on his instagram of all places. I'm assuming he will be out for 6-8 weeks similar to the other broken jaws . This could have him back anytime from Rd 15 until after the international window for Rd 17. Thanks to @eddyVN for the tip off.
Henry Speight (Brumbies) - Ruled out before kick off Rd 8 with a knee injury he has being carrying this season. if he was at home he probably would have played so i'd expect him to return Rd 10. Eto Nabuli (Reds) - Ruled out pregame Rd 8 due to illness. I think he was fit this week but just didn't get selected. George Smith (Reds) – Back surgery – named on the bench. Ben Lucas (Reds) - Back from concussion to start this week. Taniela Tupou (Reds) - Left shoulder injury in Rd 8. Word is that he should be back this week. Reece Hodge (Rebels) - Set to return this week from his hamstring injury. Kenki Fukuoka (Sunwolves) - Recovering from knee surgery. Has been drafted in on the left wing to start this week. Rohan Janse Van Rensburg (Lions) - Has an upper leg haematoma (thigh bruise) which kept him out since rd 7 . Finally back on the bench this week. Madosch Tambwe (Lions) - Limped off after scoring his #RyanQuaddy (4 tries) with what looked like a quad cork. Should be fine after their bye. Dillon Smit (Lions) - had a rib cartilage injury but has been named to start. Jeremy Ward (Sharks) – Not on tour, will miss the Australasian tour so out until at least Rd 9. Michael Claassens (Sharks) – Not on tour, will miss the Australasian tour so out until at least Rd 9. Travis Ismael (Bulls) – Pulled pregame with a back strain. Apparently he is doing much better and should play Rd 9. Tim Agaba (Bulls) - Pulled pregame Rd 7 with tonsillitis. Sounds like he didn't need surgery so he should play Rd 9. Nicholas De Jager (Bulls) – Fractured rib in Rd 4 – coach says he will be right for Rd 9. Jamba Ulengo (Bulls) – Ongoing Patella Tendon issue- Had a small operation in Sweden and now expected to be out for 8 weeks (16th April). This would be Rd 10 after their bye. Frans Malherbe (Stormers) – Preseason neck injury. Should be in contention for selection in Rd 10 after their bye. Sounds like the coaches plan will be to rotate him with Louw much like Kitshoff and JC. Dewaldt Duvenage (Stormers) - Came off with a "popped rib". Sounds like he is expected to be back after the bye for rd 10. Jean-Luc du Plessis (Stormers) – Groin operation on Dec 1st. Available from Rd 10. Daniel du Plessis (Stormers) – Shoulder Injury, available from Rd 10. Cobus Wiese (Stormers) - Tore his hamstring against the Bulls in Rd 7. Apparently he will be "out for about 20 days" which puts him as a possibility for this week. Source here. Dan Kriel (Stormers) – Played Western Province in rd 5 coming back from his foot injury. Available from Rd 10. Seabelo Senatla (Stormers) – Tore his groin in round 3. Should be right for Rd 10. Sergeal Petersen (Stormers) – Injured his MCL (knee) up for Western Province & has been sidelined for four months. Sounds like he will be available earlier than first thought, for Rd 10. Source here. [getty src="926862398" width="594" height="396" tld="com.au"] Richie Mo’unga should be back from a broken jaw this week or next.
Ongoing Injury List:
NEW ZEALAND Highlanders Richard Buckman – Aggravated an old neck/ nerve injury. Update 10/4: "He is still a few weeks away", definitely no commitment as to when we might see him again yet. Source here. Thomas Umaga-Jensen – Shoulder injury. Liam Squire – Fractured his thumb and will be out for up to six weeks. Expected back for the South Africa tour, best case Rd 11, worst case the game after. Hurricanes The Hurricanes this year won't play anyone that isn't fit to play fully on Monday of the game week. Dane Coles – ACL Start of December, return in “4-6 months” so probably getting a synthetic LARS graft. These have higher rupture rates. So he has a higher risk of reinjury and will probably be undercooked on return. AVOID. Nehe Milner-Skudder – Shoulder reconstruction – Back in May. Alex Fidow – Fractured cheek, expected back round 8-10. TJ Perenara - Ruptured his MCL in Rd 8, could be out for anywhere from 2-8 weeks. My guess would be 6 weeks, this puts him at Rd 14. Ardie Savea - Came off with what looked like some very sore ribs in Rd 6. Has now missed three weeks, surely back after the bye. Chiefs Chiefs All Blacks all to miss the May 20th game against the Sharks while in camp. The Chiefs this year - "There was a team policy this year to give injured players an extra week to ensure they were fully fit." Mitchell Graham – Out for first 6 weeks, had screws removed from old leg fracture operation Nepo Laulala – Fractured left forearm requiring surgery. Out for 8-12 weeks (30th April to 28th May). Kane Hames – No real info about his “mystery illness”. But i have read that maybe it is concussion. Shaun Stevenson – Injured his knee in the Rd 3 pregame warm up. UPDATE before Rd 6 – He has had a clean up (arthroscopy) and is expected out for 4-6 weeks (Rd 10-12). Sam McNicol – Recurrent Concussions – going through the normal protocols but who knows when he will be back. Toni Pulu - Shoulder injury during training before Rd 8, out for at least 2 weeks and now may be available this week. Crusaders Joe Moody – Played club rugby coming back from his shoulder injury in Rd8. Fractured his finger through the skin which will keep him out for another 6 weeks. Source here. He should make a come back against the Blues or Hurricanes. Kieran Read – Coming back from 2017 back surgery. Originally tipped to play in Rd 10 after their bye it is not looking very ujnlikely. Apparently now no official date can be given on his return but he may well miss the international series as well. Not good! Oli Jager - Hurt his shoulder during training before the Lions game (Rd 7). Meant he gave up his spot on the bench to Chris king. Now waiting on scans to determine the damage. Richie Mo’unga – Broken jaw which required surgery. Should be out for 6-8 weeks (Rds 10-11). Training with the team but now 1-2 weeks away (17/4) so could play Rd 11-12. Jack Goodhue - Came off in the second half of Rd 7 with a hamstring tear. Apparently he is still "a couple of weeks away" which puts him at Rds 12-13. Source here. Wyatt Crockett - Came off with a concussion in Rd 7. Apparently he is still making his way back so we won't see him in Rd 10. Blues Blake Gibson – Shoulder injury, Likely still 7 weeks away (7/3/18) so roughly round 11. Isaac Salmon – Elbow Glenn Preston – Limped off with a calf tear. We thought likely back after the bye to play Rd 7 but he is still on the injury list for round 8. Sonny Bill Williams – Fractured his wrist in rd 5. out for 6-8 weeks so should be back between Rd 11-14. Alex Hodgman – Injured his arm in rd 5 and has been flown home because he “won’t be fit for this week”. No idea when he will be back but still not fit for round 8. Daniel Kirkpatrick - Rib injury. Jordan Trainor - Hand injury Melani Nanai - Rolled his ankle really early in the try fest against the Sharks in Rd 7. Had to be helped off the field, then was spotted on the sideline in a moon boot so it doesn't look good. Likely 6 weeks plus would be my guess. George Moala - Came off in Rd 8 with a pectoral muscle strain in his chest. He did not fly to Japan although we don't have a return date yet. Source here. Apparently he could be gone for the season. Updated here. Jerome Kaino - Came off in Rd 8 with a hamstring injury. Didn't play the Sunwolves. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti - Knee injury. No more information yet. AUSTRALIA Waratahs Izzy Folau - Tore his hamstring early in the game against the Brums in Rd 7. Announced on twitter that he is expected to miss 3-4 weeks. That makes him a chance to play the Lions in Rd 10, otherwise we will have to wait until Rd 12 after their bye. Jack Dempsey – Hamstring Injury – Originally targeted a Rd 9 but the coach says he isn't quite right so won't be rushed. The Foxsports podcast after Rd 9 said he could be as many as another 6 weeks! Brumbies Rob Valentini – Medial ligament (knee) injury – Had surgery 28th Feb. Hopefully 6-8 weeks. Could be gone for 12 weeks! This would have his comeback date set at Round 14 away to the Lions. Lachlan McCaffrey - Came off in a world of hurt with a dislocated right elbow in Rd 8. I'd have thought he was out for a long time but word is he may only be 6 weeks. Source here. Lolo Fakaosilea - 16/4 - Is managing a shoulder concern. Source here. Reds Karmichael Hunt – He may be back from his drug trial but Thorn says he hasn't being attending training for the Reds or even club footy. It sounds like his season is as good as done. Source here. Scott Higginbotham - Had to be supported off by two people with a calf injury rd 8. No return date set but i'd be surprised if he wasn't 4-6 weeks. Rebels Nil [getty src="940443556" width="594" height="416" tld="com.au"] Israel Folau should be close to making his comeback from a hamstring injury. SOUTH AFRICA Sharks Leolin Zas – Not coming back well from injury – flown to Switzerland to try and get better. Stormers Eben Etzebeth – Shoulder nerve injury, UPDATE 20th March: Rehab is on schedule, aiming to be back in round 12. He is also rehabbing an old back injury. Bongi Mbonambi – Burst appendix before Rd 1 – was expected to play Rd 5 but he has had a further operation and now won’t be able to train for another 3 months! Now targeting roughly Rds 11-13. JD Schickerling – Suffered a torn pectoral muscle against the Crusaders, has been flown home from the tour. Out for four months so will be back after the international window. Juarno Augustus – progressing well from a long term injury. Justin Phillips - Broke 2 ribs in Rd 7 and will miss 6 weeks. Surely he will be the 3rd choice half back by then. Lions Courtnall Skosan – ACL in January – Said to be back after their Australasian tour for rd 14. Ross Cronje – Rib injury. Thought to be cleared to tour with the team but has now been left at home, we won't see him until Rd 14. Aphiwe Dyantyi - UPDATE 17/4 - Originally thought to be available for Rd 10 after recovering from his pec muscle tear. He has not gone on tour due to a 'knee injury' (not sure that it is accurate with the injury) and won't be available until after their tour in Rd 14. Source here. Cyle Brink - Has a 'nerve entrapment' and had to come off in the 31st minute. Looks unlikely to tour Aus and NZ which could put him out until at least Rd 14. Source here. An article 1 day later has said he and Dillon Smith are now more likely to go on tour. We don't know who to believe. Warren Whiteley (Lions) – Left knee Grade 2 PCL injury in Rd 4. Expected to be out for a month which could put him out until after their Rd 9 bye. Originally named for Rd 10 but apparently felt a click during training on Monday and then his knee swelled up over night. Now pulled from the match day side and seeing an orthopaedic knee surgeon. My gut feeling is it sounds like he tore his meniscus, he could well go for a small op and be out for 2-6 weeks! Source 19/4 here. My suspicions were confirmed today when Whiteley was sent home.
Bulls Ruan Steenkamp – Knee – back mid feb? No news is coming out.. Franco Naude – Undergone shoulder surgery and will be out for four months from Rd 2 – Roughly Rd 15. ARGENTINA/JAPAN Jaguares Tomás Cubelli – Fractured neck vertebra,Played with the Argentina XV team for week 10 of Super Rugby so should be back soon. Matías Moroni – Shoulder operation – didn't go on tour but has said in a video that he will be ready after their tour. This means we should see him in Rd 14. Source here. Sunwolves Shinya Makabe – Sprained ankle. No word on a return date. Gerhard Van Den Heever – Groin pain – being managed. Jason Emery – Surgery for a broken thumb on Thursday 1st March out for 8-10 weeks. Keita Inagaki - Out for 4-6 weeks from Rd 9 with a knee injury. Source here. OUT FOR THE SEASON: Otere Black (Blues) – ACL reconstruction Matt Johnson (Blues) - Season ending injury. No further information Scott Scrafton (Blues) - This isn't a new injury but its news to us! Scrafton has been ruled out for the season with an ACL tear. Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes) – Retired due to concussion Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs) – Injured shoulder in final trial against Brumbies – having surgery and will be out for the season. Atu Moli (Chiefs) – Had a complication with a quad haematoma which required surgery. Ruled out for the season. Mitchell Brown (Chiefs) – Ruptured ACL after round 5, had an operation and out for the season. Dominic Bird (Chiefs) – Ruled out for the season after having an operation on his shoulder. Fin Hoeata (Chiefs) – His shoulder needs a reconstruction so he will be out for the season. Quade Cooper (Reds) – unwanted by reds but still contracted – unlikely to see him play this season. Nick Frisby (Reds) – His services will not be needed. Markus Vanzati (Reds) – His services will not be needed. Ben McCalman (Waratahs) – 4th Fractured Scapula (Shoulder blade) in 2 years, Waratahs want a medical before signing him. Looks like they didn’t end up signing him. Josh Mann-Rea (Brumbies) – Tore his hamstring off the bone in round 4, has now had surgery and will be out for the season. Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks) – ACL reconstruction Jaco Kriel (Lions) – Off season shoulder op – was expected back for Rd 4 but reinjured his shoulder, is having ANOTHER operation and is expected out for a further six months! Looks like he is done for the season. Rudy Paige (Bulls) – cut from the squad Enrique Pieretto (Jaguares) – ACL Reconstruction Have we missed something? Drop a comment or tweet and let us know. Written by Harrison Dale