Crotty’s injury worry for ABs
AUCKLAND: Ryan Crotty’s terrible run of misfortune continues.
The All Blacks and Crusaders midfielder suffered his sixth concussion in less than 18 months at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night and his immediate future in the game must be in doubt.
Crotty was knocked unconscious in the opening minutes of the All Blacks’ 3813 Bledisloe Cup victory over the Wallabies when centre partner Jack Goodhue’s head crashed into his jaw as the pair made a tackle.
Crotty (29) blacked out but recovered to walk from the pitch, albeit with a loose tooth.
He has been ruled out of the return fixture at Eden Park on Saturday and will follow the usual returntoplay protocols with regards to concussion, but there is no doubt the All Blacks will take a very cautious approach to Crotty’s comeback. They have done that in the past with fullback Ben Smith.
‘‘It concerns us, definitely,’’ coach Steve Hansen admitted yesterday.
‘‘He’s already seen a specialist and they’ve given him the allclear. From our understanding, as long as you fully recover and don’t go back when you’re not fully recovered, then you’re OK.
‘‘He’s just unlucky — [Saturday] night was real freaky, friendly fire from Jack Goodhue straight in the face and it would have knocked most of us out.’’
What will make Crotty’s situation more difficult is the sensitive nature of the injury — the fact that his longterm health is at risk — and the fact that no date can be put on a return to the game.
Teammate Sam Cane offered an insight into what can be a lonely and difficult process for a player.
‘‘It’s tough to see — every other injury has a time frame,’’ Cane said.
‘‘You know when you’re going to be back or what the prognosis should be. There is so much of an unknown with head knocks. It seems like you can only be one away, if it’s the wrong one, from it being the end. I’ve seen that with a few mates. It certainly helps you appreciate every week and every game while you realise how fickle it can be.’’
Hurricane Vince Aso could be called incover for Crotty.
Either Anton LienertBrown or Ngani Laumape will start in the No 12 jersey alongside the excellent Goodhue, with a change also needed on the left wing following Rieko Ioane’s grade hamstring strain which will sideline him for two weeks.
Hansen, an admirer of the uncapped Aso, said in the aftermath of the 3813 victory that he would make inquiries into the health of the 23yearold who has performed strongly for the Hurricanes over the past two seasons.
The Wallabies also have injury concerns after Star fullback Israel Folau was ruled out with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the 28man squad by winger Sefa Naivalu.
However, they expect to have prop Taniel Tupou available after the powerhouse prop was scratched just hours before Saturday night’s showdown with a hamstring injury. — NZME