Ngatai to miss Crusaders clash with ‘headache’
Charlie Ngatai's return to rugby has hit a snag, being ruled out of the Chiefs' clash with the Crusaders this weekend.
Ngatai developed a headache after training on Monday and, with the team flying out for Suva the following day, was kept behind as a precaution.
It's a painful blow for a player who had only just returned from concussion, though the Chiefs were unsure whether the headache was related to Ngatai's previous problems.
“Charlie developed a headache after training the other day,” said assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge. “We're not sure why but we're taking a precautionary approach — that's the reason he's not playing.
“We checked footage and we couldn't see anything that happened at training that might have caused it. It is what it is — a post-training headache — and we want to look after him.”
Ngatai featured in his first Super Rugby game in a year when the Chiefs beat the Reds in New Plymouth earlier this month, performing well and appearing an encouraging addition to his side ahead of the final rounds.
But, after the Chiefs enjoyed their second bye, Sam McNicol will instead partner with Anton Lienert-Brown in midfield for the encounter with the Super Rugby leaders on Friday night.
The Chiefs did at least receive some positive concussion-related news, with Aaron Cruden taking his place at first five after missing the Reds match following his own head knock.
Tim NanaiWilliams will also return on the right wing, having fully re- covered from a shoulder injury sustained against the Hurricanes in round three, while All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris will make his first start of the season. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson yesterday said his side would tailor their game to the weather, and given the way they dominated the Hurricanes on a wet AMI Stadium surface last weekend, he might not mind if it rains. The key will be the performance of his pack, discipline, and how his side handle the attacking talents of fullback Damian McKenzie. “Damian’s elusive with his feet and with the ball in hand,” Robertson said. “We’ve got to . . . limit his opportunities”.
With Scott Barrett ruled out for up to three weeks, the return of skipper and lock Sam Whitelock from two weeks’ suspension is very timely.
Whitelock, up against All Black second row partner Brodie Retallick, will be relied on to keep a cool head.
“He’s fresh, real fresh,” said Robertson of Whitelock, who had to sit out the wins over the Bulls and Hurricanes.