Casualty Ward Super Rugby Pacific Rounds 5-6
The regular season Casualty Ward will come out every week to deliver all your injury news. We stay on top of all the latest news, with the added insights of our team's Physiotherapist and Podiatrist.
If you like what you read please like, share and review us everywhere people talk about rugby, and check out our Draft Rugby podcast or show released each week. Tune in, rate, review and share us. You’ll find us across all platforms on the links below:
New Injuries Round 5:
Nemani Nadolo (Waratahs) - Played rd 5 but is still nursing a knee injury. Was seen in ice after the game. We suspect he may get a rest next week if Jorgensen is back. Source.
Hunter Paisami (Reds) - Came off after 17 minutes with a concussion. Also tore his MCL in his knee which is expected to take 4-5 weeks until he returns. Source.
Bryce Hegarty (Force) - Pulled pregame with a back injury. Source.
Folau Fainga'a (Force) - Will miss round 6 with another flare up of his Achilles problem after only just returning last week. Source.
Michael Wells (Force) - Has been ruled out of rd 6 with the same injury as the rest of his team. You guessed it, another Achilles injury. Source.
Trevor Hosea (Rebels) - Came off with a concussion at half time in rd 5.
Lotu Inisi (Moana) - Suffered a leg injury in the first minute. Source.
Christian Leali'ifano (Moana) - Will miss round 6 with a neck injury. Source.
Anzelo Tuitavuki (Moana) - Suffered a concussion and will miss round 6. Source.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Highlanders) - Pulled late before the game started with a minor hip complaint.
Josh Timu (Highlanders) - Pulled late before rd 5 with a concussion. We assume this means he will be back in rd 7. Source.
Hugh Renton (Highlanders) - Pulled late before the game started.
Pari Pari Parkinson (Highlanders) - Limped off at halftime but managed to come back out for 13 more minutes. This makes us think he won't be out for long if he does miss a game.
Jake Te Hiwi (Highlanders) -Suffered a high ankle sprain (syndesmosis) in rd 5. It will keep him out for the rest of the season. Source.
Martin Bogado (Highlanders) - Tore his quad scoring in round 6. Source.
Connor Garden-Bachop (Highlanders) - Injured his calf in training and won't play in rd 6. Source.
Zach Gallagher (Crusaders) - Pulled pre-game rd 5 with a hamstring injury. Aiming to return in rd 7. Source.
Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders) - Tore his calf in rd 5. Expected to miss 6 weeks. Source.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Crusaders) - Pulled pregame with a neck injury. Source.
Bryce Heem (Blues) - Came off injured, apparently it isn't expected to be too serious.
Alex Nankivell (Chiefs) - Out of rd 6 with a concussion. Source.
Likely back for Round 6:
Josh Canham (Rebels) - Missed rd 4 with a concussion. Source.
Andrew Kellaway (Rebels) - Expected back this week from his foot fracture. Source.
Reece Hodge (Rebels) - Was meant to return in rd 9 from a fractured finger. Somehow already named to start in rd 6! Source.
Mahe Vailanu (Waratahs) - Expected back from a knee injury in round 6 at the earliest. Source.
Max Jorgensen (Waratahs) - Missed rd 5 due to his ongoing shoulder niggle, and the fact that the team is treating him conservatively given he is only 18. Hopefully back rd 6. Source.
Lalakai Foketi (Waratahs) - Came off at halftime in rd 4 with a shoulder injury. Was aiming for rd 9 but has managed to recover for this week.
James Slipper (Brumbies) - Expected to return from his Wallabies rest week. Source.
Rob Valetini (Brumbies) - Expected to return from his Wallabies rest week. Source.
Pete Samu (Brumbies) - Expected to return from his Wallabies rest week. Source.
Nic White (Brumbies) - Expected to return from his Wallabies rest week. Source.
Tom Wright (Brumbies) - Expected to return from his Wallabies rest week. Source.
Len Ikitau (Brumbies) - Tore his calf in rd 4. Recovered to start this week. Source.
Tom Lynagh (Reds) - Expected to miss rounds 5 and 6 with a concussion with a 12-day stand-down period. We think that means he is a chance for rd 6. Source.
Angus Blyth (Reds) - Expected to return from his high ankle (syndesmosis) injury this week. Source.
Bryce Hegarty (Force) - Pulled pregame with a back injury in rd 5, has recovered enough to take a spot on the bench. Source.
Tom Robertson (Force) - Returning from a concussion this week. Source.
Eroni Sau (Drua) - Likely to return from his rd 4 concussion.
Michael Curry (Moana) - Returning from his neck injury this week. Source.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Highlanders) - Pulled late before the game started but expected to play this week. Source.
Shannon Frizell (Highlanders) - Injured his hip flexor, back on the bench in rd 6. Source.
Marino Mikaele Tu'u (Highlanders)- Came off with a fractured rib injury in rd 1. Back on the bench this week.
Hugh Renton (Highlanders) - Pulled late before the game started. Named to start in rd 6. Source.
Andrew Makalio (Highlanders) - Came off with a concussion. On the bench in rd 6. Source.
Will Tucker (Highlanders) - Returning from his groin injury.
Mosese Dawai (Highlanders) - Missed rd 4 with a knee injury.
Josh Ioane (Chiefs) - Pulled from the bench before rd 4 for a family bereavement. We assume he should be back for selection now. Source.
Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs) - Came off with a low-grade MCL injury in rd 3. Expected to miss 2 weeks so he should be back. Source.
James Lay (Blues) - Came off in rd 4 with a minor ankle injury. Makes us think he will only miss 1-2 weeks. Source.
Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) - Suffered a grade 2 MCL (knee) injury in rd 3, only missed two weeks and is already back on the bench. Source.
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes) - Should be back from his All Black's rest week.
Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes) - Should be back from his All Black's rest week.
Dane Coles (Hurricanes) - Should be back from his All Black's rest week.
Tevita Mafileo (Hurricanes) - A dangerous cleanout led to a red card and a 3-week ban in round 2. We will see him back in round 6. Source.
Returned in Round 5:
Dave Porecki (Waratahs) - Pulled late from rd 3 with an infection. Started in the 2 jersey this week.
Jed Holloway (Waratahs) - Sat out round four under the Wallabies resting protocols and because his partner was having a baby. Started this week.
Dylan Pietsch (Waratahs) - Finally made his return from a quadricep tear this week.
Joey Walton (Waratahs) - Made his comeback from a back injury to play his first game in over two years.
Te Tera Faulkner (Waratahs) - Returned after recovering from a calf injury.
Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies) - Concussed in rd 2. Larkham eased him back into the side off the bench this week.
Isaac Henry (Reds) - Fractured his hand in round 1. Made his comeback via the bench.
Hunter Paisami (Reds) - Returned from his rd 3 concussion.
Jordan Petaia (Reds) - Returned after missing last week with an ankle injury.
Glenn Vaihu (Rebels) - Back via the bench in rd 5.
Joe Pincus (Rebels) - Started at full back after recovering from injury.
Sam Spink (Force) - Returned from his rd 1 hammy tear to start at outside centre.
Folau Fainga'a (Force) - Returned after missing last week with injury.
Samuel Slade (Moana) - Returned from his rib injury.
Alamanda Motuga (Moana) -Returned from a shoulder injury in rd 5.
Joe Tamani (Drua) - Returned after being pulled pregame last week.
Pari Pari Parkinson (Highlanders) - Concussed in rd 3 so we expect he could be back.
Connor Garden-Bachop (Highlanders) - Pulled pregame rd 4, called late onto the beach this week then ended up playing big minutes due to other injuries.
James Lentjes (Highlanders) - Pulled pregame with a neck injury. called late onto the beach this week then ended up playing big minutes due to other injuries.
Saula Mau (Highlanders) - Came off with a chest injury in rd 3. Came off the bench this week.
Brad Weber (Chiefs) - Back from his rd 4 All Black's rest week.
Sam Cane (Chiefs) - Back from his rd 4 All Black's rest week.
Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) - Back from his rd 4 All Black's rest week.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues) - Returned from a concussion at tighthead.
Sam Nock (Blues) - Made a return from a preseason calf tear.
Sam Darry (Blues) - Bounced back from his knee injury to take up his place on the bench.
Harry Plummer (Blues) - Returned in the 12 jersey after recovering from his rib injury.
Ongoing Injury List:
AUSTRALIA
Western Force
Izack Rodda - Broke his foot again in the final trial against the Drua. His return time hasn't been set yet but it wouldn't surprise us if he misses at least the first six weeks. Source.
Jeremy Thrush - Injured his heel in rd 3. Will miss at least two weeks, then will decide if he keeps playing this season or not. Source.
Brumbies
Tom Hooper - Suffered a potentially serious foot injury on the Feb 11 trial. Source. Was seen in a cast and not weight-bearing at the final trial so we think he will be out for at least 3 months.
Darcy Swain - Missed rd 5 with a foot injury. Source.
Reds
Josh Nasser - On his way back from his shoulder reconstruction, was originally targeting a return in round 3. Source.
Wilson Blyth - Suffering with a knee injury, expecting to miss the first couple of rounds of Super Rugby. Source.
Luke Jones - Struggling with a neck injury that has kept him out all season so far. Seen training before rd 6 for the first time, so could be getting closer to a return. Source.
Sef Fa’agase - Suspended for 3 weeks for a dangerous tackle in rd 4. Will return in rd 8. Source.
Rebels
Matt Philip - Ruptured his ACL at training on October 19th meaning he will miss almost the entire season. Source.
Rob Leota - Ruptured his Achilles against the All Blacks in September 15th. Expected to miss the bulk of Super Rugby. Source.
Ray Nu’u - Helped off with a right knee injury on Feb 11. No word yet on the severity. Source.
Richard Hardwick - Suffered a calf injury in rd 4. It is expected to keep him out for 8 weeks. Source.
Waratahs
Hugh Sinclair - Fractured his right shoulder blade in rd 3 and will miss up to 8 weeks. Round 8 return at the earliest. Source.
Teddy Wilson - Concussed in rd 3. Aiming to return rd 6. Source.
Tiaan Tauakipulu – Still on the comeback trail from his knee injury. Aiming to play round 8 at the earliest. Source.
Charlie Gamble - Came off with a left shoulder partial dislocation in rd 4. Aiming to be back rd 9 at the earliest. Source.
Tane Edmed - Suffered a back injury in rd 4. Won't be back until at least rd 8. Source.
Mosese Tuipulotu - Has a low grade MCL tear in rd 4. Given they have a bye in rd 7, he isn't expected back until rd 8. Source.
Langi Gleeson - Suffered a low grade calf injury in rd 4. Was expected back for rd 6. Source.
Will Harrison - Expected back from his toe injury rd 6 so he should get a game soon. Source.
Archer Holz - Continues to battle a rib injury, was meant to be a chance of returning in rd 6. Source.
NEW ZEALAND
The All Blacks are on leave until early February. Although not confirmed, this may delay their entry into the SR Pacific competition.
Highlanders
Scott Gregory - Hasn't played this season due to a knee injury. Expected back in rd 7. Source.
Vilimoni Koroi - Currently out of round 2-6 with a knee injury. Source.
Marty Banks - Currently out of round 2-6 with a groin injury. Source.
Jeff Thwaites - Currently out of round 2-6 with a back injury. Source. Jona Nareki - Has a bone stress injury in his foot before rd 1. His return has been delayed, and he is now targeting a rd 11 return. Source.
Freddie Burns - Suffered a knee injury in rd 3. Aiming to return in rd 8, after their bye. Source.
Fabian Holland - Came off with a hamstring injury. Not quite ready for rd 6 he will play rd 7. Source.
Josh Dickson - Missed rd 4 due to illness. Is now being given all the time he needs to support his family after his brother was diagnosed with cancer. Source.
Rhys Marshall - Came off with a concussion in rd 4. Hadn't recovered for rd 6. Source.
Chiefs
Quinn Tupaea - Tore his ACL late in September. Probably won't be back until late June. Source.
Josh Lord - Tore his ACL on the 14th of June. That puts his return around mid march, but it could very a lot.
Atu Moli - Came off injured after 5 minutes in the Feb 18th trial with a shoulder injury. He was interviewed post-game and said he was okay.
Ngantungane Punivai - Not considered for round 1 due to injury. Source.
Anton Lienert-Brown - Rolled his ankle in Rd 1. Originally meant to be back after 3 weeks, they have delayed his return a further month. We suspect he will play roughly rd 8. Source.
Gideon Wrampling - Currently out with a knee injury as of rd 5. Source.
Hurricanes
TJ Perenara - Ruptured his Achilles on the 20th of November playing against England. Originally planning on an August return, he is well ahead of schedule and will try to return towards the end of Super Rugby around late April. Source. Our opinion is that this is far too early and at absolute best, we might see him in early May. Apparently he had his first jog around rd 2-3.
Reed Prinsep - Limped off with an Achilles injury in the last trial. Source. Apparently not a full rupture. Source.
Justin Sangster - Dislocating his thumb in the final trial against the Crusaders. Source.
Ruben Love - Has been battling a groin issue and is still a couple of weeks away at a minimum (as of rd 1), won't be back until rd 3 at the earliest. Source.
Peter Umaga-Jensen - Out with injury as of rd 4. Source.
Jacob Devery - Out with injury as of rd 4. Source.
Caleb Delany - Out with injury as of rd 4. Source.
Tyler Laubscher - Out with injury as of rd 4. Source.
Crusaders
Oli Jager - Sustained a neck injury late in the NPC in 2022 which required surgery. As of the start of Feb he is back in the gym but won't start contact or scrummaging until cleared by the specialist. Source. Considered a chance of returning this season. Source.
Will Jordan - Has a migraine-related condition. He has been given the clear by the specialist and is now just getting confident. He should return after the rd 8 bye. Source.
Cullen Grace - Broke his collarbone in rd 1. Announced after rd 3 that he would miss 6 weeks, meaning he would be back for round 10. We suspect this could be a mistake and he might be back after the rd 8 bye. Source.
Jack Goodhue - Came off with a groin injury in rd 2. Aiming to return in rd 9. Source.
David Havili - Came off with an AC joint injury in rd 3. Aiming to return in rd 9. Source.
Sevu Reece - Tore his ACL in rd 4, which will keep him out for the rest of the season and for the Rugby World Cup. Source.
Sam Whitelock - Suffered a broken hand in rd 4 and is expected to spend the next couple of months on the sideline. Source.
Melani Nanai - Apparently he is injured as of rd 6. Source.
Quintin Strange - On track to return from a hamstring injury in rd 7. Source.
Finlay Brewis - On track to return in rd 7. Source.
Blues
Akira Ioane - Limped off in rd 1 with a left knee injury (we think it is an MCL injury). Getting close to returning but "definitely not" for round 6. Source.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - Missed rd 5 with a hand injury. Still expected to be out for a month. Source.
PACIFIKA TEAMS
Fiji Drua
Simione Kuruvoli - Injured his shoulder in the Autumn internationals which required surgery, will miss almost the entire 2023 season. Source.
Moana Pasifika
Niko Jones - Missed the final trial with a knee injury. Source.
Jonathan Taumateine - Missed the final trial with a Hamstring injury and still out as of rd 6. Source.
Jack Lam - Missed the final trial with an ankle injury and still injured before rd 6. Source.
Penitoa Finau - Missed the final trial with a foot injury and still out as of rd 6. Source.
Sosefo ‘Apikotoa - Pulled pregame rd 1. Apparently, he was injured at training during the week. No more information is available.
Sekope Kepu - Snapped his Achilles in September. Expected back sometime in March. Was originally targeting a rd 3 return but was still listed as out before rd 6. Source.
Alex McRobbie - Out of rd 6 with a shoulder injury. Source.
Gone for the season:
Taniela Tupou (Reds) - Ruptured his Achilles on November 20 and won't play in Super rugby 2023. Source.
Harry Hoopert (Reds) - Ruptured his ACL playing for Australia A on October 8th. Will miss the 2023 season. Source.
Kurtley Beale (Waratahs) - Has been stood down until his legal battle is finished. The next court date is March 22nd so he won't be seen before then. Source.
Angus Bell (Waratahs) - In rd 1 he reruptured the same ligament on his toe that kept him out of the end of 2022. Expected to be out for the entire Super Rugby season with a worst case 6 month return. Source.
Henry Robertson (Force) - Tore his ACL and gone for the season. Source.
Alivereti Veitokani (Drua) - Still hasn't been able to travel to Australia to have his knee reconstruction so is still at least 9 -12 months away from playing again.
Vinaya Habosi (Drua) - Cut from the team immediately on February 7th due to a high-level breach of the club's code of conduct. Source.
Reuben O'Neill (Chiefs) - Missed 2022 through injury and has once again been ruled out for the year.
Angus Ta'avao (Chiefs) - Out for the 2023 season after injuring his neck which required surgery in the NPC in October. Source.
Xavier Roe (Chiefs) - Opted to have shoulder surgery for a niggling injury. This will rule him out for the season. Source.
Luca Inch (Highlanders) - Ruled out for the season. Source.
Mitch Dunshea (Crusaders) - Out for the rest of the season after going for surgery to repair his pec muscle before rd 4. Source.
Fletcher Newell (Crusaders) - Confirmed he will be out for the season before rd 4 after having his plantar plate repaired before rd 3. Source.
George Bell (Crusaders) - Will miss the season with a broken ankle. Source.
Alex Hodgman (Blues) - Dislocated his left shoulder and will be out for the season. Source.
Have we missed something? Drop a comment or tweet and let us know.
Written by your local rugby nerd Harrison Dale.