Rapana dislocates shoulder
Jordan Rapana will miss New Zealand’s third test against England in Leeds this weekend after scans revealed he dislocated his shoulder in the 20-14 defeat in Liverpool on Monday.
The Kiwis winger first sustained the injury when attempting to score during the first half of New Zealand’s loss in the second test of the three-match series in England. Rapana played on at Anfield until landing on his injured arm again late in the second half.
England relentlessly targeted Rapana’s right edge after his injury became apparent and the Wayne Bennett-coached side were ruthless in overturning an eight-point deficit to clinch the series.
The 29-year-old will return to his club, the Canberra
Raiders, for further treatment and an assessment of how long he might be sidelined for will become clearer.
It’s understood that Rapana left Anfield with his right arm in a sling after the Kiwis conceded the series.
His right shoulder appeared to pop back in after the first 12th-minute incident as he played on for the Kiwis, but he later succumbed when it looked to stay out when he landed on it in the 68th minute.
The Raiders have had rotten luck when it comes to injuries in international tests in recent years.
Canberra’s English hooker Josh Hodgson missed most of 2018 after seriously injuring a knee in England’s World Cup semifinal win over Tonga in Auckland last year.
England have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series ahead of the final test with New Zealand at Elland Road on Monday.