The Casualty Ward Rd 13
Another cracking round of Super Rugby means another episode of the Casualty Ward. We have all the latest injury updates to help you stay ahead of the game.
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Returned from Injuries in Rd 13:
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes) - Back via the bench for Rd 13. With Laumape due a rest this week could we see him line up at inside centre? TJ Perenara (Hurricanes) - Ruptured his MCL in Rd 8, looked sharp coming off the bench. Ben May (Hurricanes) - Returned from illness after missing last week. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Blues) - Came off late with a knee injury in Rd 10. Scored a try and probably had his best game of the season. Sonny Bill Williams (Blues) – Fractured his wrist in rd . Set up a try with an absolute screamer of an offload. Melani Nanai (Blues) - Rolled his ankle really early in the try fest against the Sharks in Rd 7. This week he had to come off the bench, looked dangerous but was never given any space. Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs) – Injured his knee in the Rd 3 pregame warm up. Shooter almost scored a brilliant try with a grubber through the oppositions legs but unluckily it was called back for an earlier infringement. Joe Moody (Crusaders) – Fractured his finger playing club rugby in Rd 8. Looks set for another stint on the sidelines after being cited for an elbow to the throat of Kurtley Beale.
Rob Valentini (Brumbies) – Came back from his MCL (knee) injury. Looked as physical as we had hoped. Lachlan McCaffrey (Brumbies) - Dislocated his elbow in Rd 8. Healed quickly to start last week. Had another solid performance, definetly has a bigger impact than expected. James Slipper (Reds) - Apparently was struggling with a sternoclavicular injury before Rd 10. Had a quiet game returning from injury. Jono Lance (Reds) - Came off with concussion in Rd 10. Did not recover in time for Rd 11. Jason Emery (Sunwolves) – Came back via the bench from thumb surgery.
Trevor Nyakane (Bulls) - Had a neck niggle that made him withdraw from Rd 12. Sounds like he is back this week.
New Injuries Rd 13:
Vaea Fifita (Hurricanes) - Came off with concussion Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) - Took another knock to an ongoing shoulder injury. He is now "extremely doubtful" to be right in time to play the internationals, and even at risk of missing the rest of the season. Source here. Manasa Mataele (Crusaders) - Concussion. Apparently passed his HIA assessment after the game so now just needs to pass Thursday testing to be available this week. Source here. Joe Moody (Crusaders) - Copped a 2 week ban for "that elbow". Sam Whitelock (Crusaders) - Ruled out to play the Blues on Saturday night because of illness. Liam Polwart (Chiefs) - A late scratching for this week. Not sure what the injury was but apparently he could of played if needed. Expect him back on the bench this weekend. Tei Walden (Highlanders) - Ruled out of this week with concussion symptoms. Source here.
Chris Feauai-Sautia (Reds) - Shot out of the line and looked to have taken a head knock just before half time. Didn't come back on after the half time break. Not named to play this week. James Slipper (Reds) - Not considered for selection for welfare reasons. Source here. Damien Fitzpatrick (Waratahs) - Concussion, going through normal protocols. Will Miller (Waratahs) - Concussion, going through normal protocols. Ned Hanigan (Waratahs) - MCL injury from a clean out by Scott Barrett. Apparently he is in a brace and is likely out until the June internationals. Expect him back for Rd 17. Source here. Rob Simmons (Waratahs) - In doubt for this week with a shoulder niggle. Geoff Parling (Rebels) - Came off in the 44th minute, again we aren't sure why. Possibly a concussion or just an early sub. Scott Sio (Brumbies) - Concussion. Still on tour to South Africa so seems like he is a good chance of playing. Source here. Wharenui Hawera (Brumbies) - Came off with an ankle injury. Expected to be right this week. Semisi Masirewa (Sunwolves) - Ruled out of Rd 14 with a dislocated finger. Hosea Saumaki (Sunwolves) - Ruled out due to a rib cartilage injury. Source here.
Lood De Jager (Bulls) - Ruptured his Pec muscle on the weekend and will be out for four months! Source here. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls) - Suffered an injury to the tendon in his toe and will be out for the rest of the year (four to six months) having an operation. Same source as Lood's horror injury. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) - Ruled out with injury for this week. Not sure what he has done. Damian Willemse (Stormers) - Now officially away with his U20s side. We probably won't see him until Rd 17. Source here.
[getty src="957568442,957568420" width="594" height="396" tld="com.au"] Manasa Mataele comes off with concussion. Credit Getty Images.
Likely back for this week (Rd 14):
David Havili (Crusaders) - Concussion from a front on head clash with Rhyss Hodge in Rd 12. Missed last week but should be back for Rd 14. Tim Perry (Crusaders) - Hamstring injury in the 4th minute of Rd 11. Makes his comeback this week. Dalton Papali’i (Blues) - Unwell, missed Rd 13. Should be back. Josh Goodhue (Blues) - Concussion in Rd 12. Did not recover in time to play last week but I'd expect to see him this week. Michael Collins (Blues) - Broke his hand in Rd 9. Expected out for around 5 weeks which would be Rd 14. Source here. TJ Faiane (Blues) - Was meant to be out for at least two weeks with an ankle sprain. Expected back from Rd 13 so he may get a run with Reiko likely to be rested. Source here. Sean Wainui (Chiefs) - Came off with a shoulder injury in Rd 10. Went on tour so it makes us think he will play this week with Anton LB back in NZ. Source here. Tevita Li (Highlanders) - Flew home from the tour after Rd 11 with a foot injury. Was a maybe for Rd 13 so should play this week. Source here.
Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels) – Came back from his sickening concussion from Rd 5 but didn't last too long before suffering another one. I heard he may be struggling with a bit of a neck injury as well, either way they are reading carefully. Isi Naisarani (Brumbies) - Injured his ankle late in the first half of Rd 11. On the plane to South Africa so should play this week. David Pocock (Brumbies) - Had a calf "strain" from rd 11. Close to playing Rd 13 and on tour for South Africa. Expecting him to play. Source here. Scott Higginbotham (Reds) - Calf injury rd 8. Looks likely to play Rd 14 after running with the team on Monday. Played 40 min of club rugby (off the bench) in Rd 13. Willie Britz (Sunwolves) - Back from his concussion this week. Kotaro Matsushima (Sunwolves) - Back from his concussion this week.
Ross Cronje (Lions) – Rib injury. Played Golden Lions XV in Rd 13, expect to see him in Rd 14. Philip van der Walt (Sharks) - Came off late with what looked like a broke nose in Rd 12. Should be back this week. Michael Claassens (Sharks) – Played club rugby in Rd 12. Should be close to a return now if he is actually in the mix (I don't thin he is). Leolin Zas (Sharks) – Back playing foor the Sharks XV in the Rugby Challenge. Should be in the mix for selection if they want him but again I don't think they do. Jan de Klerk (Stormers) - cracked his ribs in Rd 9. Close to a return in Rd 12, but more likely the following week. Ruan Steenkamp (Bulls) – Knee. Was available to play in the Rugby Challenge side for Rd 11 so we expect him to be in contention for the top side in Rd 13. Tomás Cubelli (Jaguares) – Coming back from his fractured neck, Played with the Argentina XV team from week 10 of Super Rugby so should be back this week now that they're home.
[getty src="946189618,946189572" width="594" height="396" tld="com.au"] Isi Naisarani should be back from his ankle injury this week. Credit Getty Images.
Ongoing Injury List:
NEW ZEALAND Highlanders Richard Buckman – Aggravated an old neck/ nerve injury. Mauger said that he was probably only 3-4 weeks away before Rd 12 kicked off. This would mean we could see him before the international break for Rd 15 or 16. Source here. Thomas Umaga-Jensen – Shoulder injury. The midfielder should return after the June break for Rd 17. Liam Squire – Fractured his thumb and will be out for up to six weeks. UPDATE 25/4 His fracture hasn't healed properly so they have had to reset the fracture and the six weeks starts all over again! Now expected to miss the France ceremony as well. That puts his comeback around early to mid June. Source here. Siate Tokolahi - Hyper extended his right knee getting chop tackled in Rd 10. These tackles have always been a bit suspect. Grade 2 tear to his MCL (inside ligament) has him out for an expected 4-6 weeks.
Hurricanes The Hurricanes this year won't play anyone that isn't fit to play fully on Monday of the game week. Asafo Aumua - Wrist fracture I think in Rd 9, out for 12 weeks which apparently could put him back for Rd 19. The Hurricanes are saying he probably wont play again this season. Wes Goosen - 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. Vince Aso - Damaged ligaments in his wrist. Thanks to reporter Hamish Bidwell for the latest update on Sunday.
Chiefs Chiefs All Blacks all to miss the May 20th game against the Sharks while in camp - Brodie Retallick, Nathan Harris, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown 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. No news and no idea when he will be back. Nepo Laulala – Fractured left forearm requiring surgery. Out for 8-12 weeks (30th April to 28th May). Kane Hames – Struggling with concussion. Tiaan Falcon - Hand injury before Rd 11, expected to return to play in the next 3-4 weeks. Sam Cane - Abdominal strain before Rd 12 ruled him out on match day before kick off. Now along with Boshier has been ruled out of the 2 week South Africa trip. Source here. Lachlan Boshier - Appendicitis ruled him out of Rd 12. Missing the two week RSA tour. Mitchell Karpik - A likely replacement at 7 got concussed playing club footy during Rd 12. Crusaders Kieran Read – Coming back from 2017 back surgery. Ruled out of rugby until at least after the International break. He made his first appearance at Crusaders training at "walking speed" only after Rd 13. Source here. Luke Romano - Out with an ankle injury before Rd 11. Expected not to be back until after the international window for Rd 17. Apparently he is healing well and is ahead of schedule. Started doing straight line running in the lead up to Rd 14. Source here. Israel Dagg - Reinjured his dodgy knee in Rd 11. O'Gara says "Thankfully it doesn’t appear to be long-term problem". Apparently was playing touch footy with the team on Monday after Rd 13 so might only be a week or two away. Source here.
Blues Isaac Salmon – Elbow 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 Blake Gibson – Shoulder injury, as of the 7th of March he was about seven weeks away. I expected him to play round 11 but still no dice!
AUSTRALIA Waratahs 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 Chance Peni - Cited for his high shot on Dagg. He has been banned for 5 rounds of Super Rugby given it is his third ban in 12 months! He won't be available until after the June international break, so probably round 17. 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. Lukhan Tui - Has a knee injury from Rd 9, going for surgery so should be out for a while. Source here. Caleb Timu - Ankle Syndesmosis sprain (high ankle sprain). Missed Rd 13 and is apparently unlikely to play Rd 14. Source here.
Rebels Ben Daley - Shoulder injury, not on tour. Earliest we could see him would be Rd 12 then. Jordan Uelese - Came off with an elbow injury in Rd 10. Expected back Rd 15. Ross Haylett-Petty - Came off during half time with concussion in Rd 10. Expected to miss at least Rd 12. Will Genia - Came off just before half time with an MCL injury. They have said he should be gone for 4 weeks, which makes him a maybe for the Blues in Rd 16. Source here.
SOUTH AFRICA Sharks Nil
Stormers Eben Etzebeth – Shoulder nerve injury originally expected back Rd 12. UPDATE: They are now hoping he will be back for the last game before the international break, Rd 15. 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. Sergeal Petersen – Injured his MCL (knee) and has been sidelined for four months. Sounds like he will be available from about Rd 10. At this stage i'm not sure if he is in the frame for selection or not. Source here. Jano Vermaak - Cracket rib Rd 10. Could have played Rd 12 but they chose to give him an extra week. Source here. 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 but he released a video of him running at max 85%, i'm not sure exactly where his rehab is but to me he looks like he could well be months away. Warren Whiteley – Named for Rd 10 but felt a click during training and his knee swelled up over night. 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! Update here. Malcolm Marx - Apaprently a high hamstring tear which could keep him out for six weeks. Tread carefully with this one because it wouldn't surprise me if it quickly became 12 weeks. Source here.
Bulls Franco Naude – Undergone shoulder surgery and will be out for four months from Rd 2 – Roughly Rd 15. Hanro Liebenberg - Injured his knee in Rd 9, 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. Source here. Pierre Schoeman - Not technically an injured but he has been cited for allegedly biting a Rebels player. UPDATE 24/4: Banned for six weeks! Source here. Jannes Kirsten - Expected back towards the end of May from a nerve injury. Marnitz Boshoff - 1/05/18: Recovering well from his meniscus surgery. Jamba Ulengo – Ongoing Patella Tendon issue- Training with the squad since before Rd 10. They will be very careful with quickly they have to load him up with running so it could be a while until we see him.
ARGENTINA/JAPAN Jaguares Matías Moroni – Shoulder operation – Set to play for the Argentinian XV (development side) for his first game this week. Source here. Pablo Matera - Suffered a shoulder "sprain and bicep tendon injury" just before half time Rd 10. He is expected to be out for 2-3 months meaning he will miss the June internationals and play from Rd 17 at the earliest, or even miss the rest of the season. Source here.
Sunwolves Shinya Makabe – Sprained ankle. No word on a return date. Gerhard Van Den Heever – Groin pain – being managed. Keita Inagaki - Out for 4-6 weeks from Rd 9 with a knee injury. Source here. James Moore - Concussion in Rd 11. Could play Rd 13 but we know how conservative the Sunwolves are when it comes to concussion..
[getty src="872912926" width="594" height="339" tld="com.au"]
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. Glenn Preston (Blues)– Groin injury, out for the season. George Moala (Blues) - Pec muscle strain that will keep him out for the season. I assume that means he is having an operation to repair it. Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes) – Retired due to concussion Dane Coles (Hurricanes) – ACL Start of December. They originally said he could return in “4-6 months” which is normally a big worry. They have now changed their plan and are aiming for August, meaning he will not play Super Rugby. Source here. Alex Fidow (Hurricanes) – Recovered from his fractured cheek but now ruptured a ligament in his big toe. This needs surgery and he will be gone for the season. Source here. 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. Aidan Ross (Chiefs) - Broke his ankle and had to be stretchered off the field. Gone for the season. Sam McNicol (Chiefs) – Recurrent Concussions – now ruled out for the season. Taleni Seu (Chiefs) - Limped off half an hour into the game against the Hurricanes in Rd 9. Now confirmed he has fractured his back and is out for the season. Ben Funnell (Crusaders) - Tore his ACL against the Sunwolves in Rd 10. Out for the season. Oli Jager (Crusaders) - Hurt his shoulder during training before the Lions game (Rd 7). Now decided to have a reconstruction (Rd 11) so won't play again this season. Tom Sanders (Crusaders) - Fractured the ankle in Rd 10 that got a pin in it in preseason. Requires another operation and is very unlikely to play again this 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. Richard Hardwick (Rebels) - MCL (ligament inside of the knee) injury. Out for the season so I assume he has had surgery. Lappies Labuschagne (Sunwolves) - His time with the Sunwolves has finished as his contract with the Kubota Spears won't allow him to play any further. This is a real worry for other Sunwolves players since we don't know what each contract outlines, and this came out of no where!
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 Tim Agaba (Bulls) - Played for the Blue Bulls in Rd 11 and tore his bicep. Has had an operation and is out for four to six months/ the season. Source here. Enrique Pieretto (Jaguares) – ACL Reconstruction Joaquín Tuculet (Jaguares) - Came off with a knee injury. Now confirmed as an ACL rupture he will be out for the season having surgery.
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Written by Harrison Dale