New injury woe as Lima ruled out for 6 weeks
WASPS fly-half Lima Sopoaga has been ruled out for up to six weeks after fracturing his hand against Sale Sharks.
The 18-times capped All Black was substituted with 10 minutes to go following a collision at the Ricoh Arena last weekend, and subsequent x-rays have shown a bone fracture.
“Lima Sopoaga has broken his hand,” said director of rugby Dai Young. “That’s another blow for us. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse. He’s fractured his hand and it’s looking like a six-week injury.”
It means all three of Wasps’ primary fly-half options are injured. Jimmy Gopperth is rehabilitating from reconstructive knee surgery and Billy Searle is out for up to seven months after his horrific leg injury against Bristol Bears.
Rob Miller starts at fly-half against Leicester Tigers in today’s Gallagher Premiership trip to Welford Road.
The versatile back partners Joe Simpson on the occasion of the long-serving Wasps scrumhalf’s 250th appearance for the club. Lima Sopoaga will be sidelined for six weeks
In total, Young is without 15 players due to international call-ups and injuries, but Thomas Young has recovered from a chest infection to feature on the openside flank.
“I’ve never known a season like it for injuries. I’ve never known a season like it for not being able to play our strongest 23,” said Dai Young.
“We’ve not had anywhere near it all year.
“You just have to smile and get on with it.
“It’s been tough but you just have to keep going but it’s certainly stretching us.” Tommy Taylor makes his first start since October at hooker while Marcus Watson keeps his place on the wing, with Italy international Michele Campagnaro out injured (back).
Zurabia Zhvania is away with Georgia so Academy graduate Tom West mans the bench, while tighthead Biyi Alo awaits his Premiership debut after joining on loan from Coventry.
Jacob Umaga, recalled from his loan at Championship club Yorkshire Carnegie, is also among the replacements
Having suffered an ankle dislocation and fibula break against Bristol a fortnight ago, Searle underwent surgery this week, posting a thumbs-up picture on social media saying ‘everything went well.’
Young said: “Billy had his operation and it’s looking like it’ll be six to seven months.
“He should be alright to start the season next year, with it starting a little later because of the World Cup.”