Goodhue gone for season
All Blacks and Crusaders midfielder Jack Goodhue isn’t expected to play rugby again in 2021 after scans confirmed a significant knee injury, including an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
But there’s hope for team-mate and prop Joe Moody, who might not need surgery to the foot he injured during a scrum against the Hurricanes last weekend.
Both were helped off the field within five minutes of each other during the Super Rugby Aotearoa golden point thriller in Wellington, and were later seen hobbling on the sideline.
Goodhue faces surgery and a lengthy rehab on his left knee. In addition to rupturing his ACL, he damaged his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior cruciate ligament, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson confirmed.
‘‘We’re gutted for him, he’s been through this before and come back in great position. We’ve got a great group of medical staff who will help him get back to his best,’’ Robertson said.
Goodhue has had major knee surgery before, having ruptured the ACL and MCL in his right knee in 2015.
He suffered his latest injury attempting to tackle Hurricanes midfielder Peter Umaga-jensen. Much like when Crusader
Braydon Ennor did his ACL last year, it appeared innocuous.
The Crusaders’ medical staff will reassess loosehead prop Moody in a couple of weeks, once his foot injury settles down.
‘‘Joe Moody has had scans which have confirmed a significant injury to the soft tissues at the base of his big toe. At this stage surgery is not required, but this will be reviewed by a specialist in two weeks’ time. A return to play time-frame will become clearer at that time,’’ the Crusaders said.
Goodhue’s injury potentially opens the door for team-mate David Havili to crack the All Blacks later this year.
Havili prefers fullback but is playing in the midfield for the Crusaders this season, and has the backing of Robertson to feature in Ian Foster’s squad.
‘‘Dave is one of the form midfielders. His form will get him selected.
‘‘Probably the biggest thing we see with Dave is his leadership. on Jack Goodhue
He just commands respect by his personality and the way he plays.’’
The Crusaders had already lost hooker Andrew Makalio (neck) and flanker Tom Christie (knee) for the year, while Ennor hasn’t played since rupturing his ACL last September.
‘‘We’re gutted for him, he’s been through this before and come back in great position.’’ Crusaders coach Scott Robertson