Three more ABs in casualty ward
‘‘Take a pew Messrs Cruden, Squire and Williams, we will get to you once we have worked through these other fellows first.’’
It’s the sort of message a busy medico could direct towards Aaron Cruden, Liam Squire and Sonny Bill Williams during an All Blacks injury clinic, a reflection of the growing tally of broken players requiring rehabilitation ahead of the first test against the British and Irish Lions on June 24.
At least All Blacks coach Steve Hansen seems relaxed, telling Fairfax NZ he isn’t getting anxious because captain Kieran Read (broken thumb) and his fellow forwards Jerome Kaino (knee surgery) and Dane Coles (concussion/calf) will miss some Super Rugby action.
Now first-five Cruden, loose forward Squire and midfielder Williams have been added to the tally of injured. Squire broke his thumb during the Highlanders’ remarkable 45-41 win against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, Cruden was a late withdrawal from the Chiefs team that beat the Reds 46-17 after he reported concussion symptoms following training, and Williams’ immediate future is unclear after concussion forced him from the field during the Blues’ 40-33 win over the Waratahs in Sydney.
It’s time for some cheerful news. The state of New Zealand rugby remains in terrific nick, all five teams winning at the weekend to remain in contention to make the playoffs with six rounds remaining.
All NZ teams impressed for various reasons, but if you were searching for entertainment and suspense, the Highlanders-Cheetahs fixture had to rate five stars.
Even Highlanders coach Tony Brown thought his side was toast as he watched them trail 41-24 with five minutes remaining. Then Matt Faddes and Tevita Li scored tries, and Waisake Naholo grabbed the clincher after the final hooter.
Less than 24 hours later, the Crusaders were dynamite and blew the Bulls’ reputation to smithereens with their 62-24 win in Pretoria. The Bulls were terrible, and the Crusaders outstanding as they ran in 10 tries. Most pleasing for the visitors was the fact they thrived in the absence of suspended captain Sam Whitelock and Read.
Next week the Crusaders host the Hurricanes in Christchurch, and it promises to be a belter. The Stormers unleashed an unexpected fury of activity against the Canes in Wellington on Saturday night, and a major upset appeared possible, until the home side rushed in a flurry of tries to win 41-22.
The Waratahs also stormed back in their match against the Blues, who were inspired by the Ioane brothers, Rieko and Akira, in Sydney, but they took their heads off their pillows too late and succumbed 40-33.
Not that the Blues should be too smug. They led 26-0 in the first half, and their lapse in concentration cost them a bonus point.
As you watched the Chiefs, bolstered by midfielder Charlie Ngatai following his prolonged absence with concussion, shove around the Reds in their 46-17 win in New Plymouth you were reminded of why this team should never be underestimated.
The Lions thrashed the Rebels 47-10 in Melbourne. This was the response from Rebels coach Tony McGahan: ‘‘We tried really hard, but we were just not good enough.’’
Spare a thought for the Sunwolves, who lost 46-39 to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires. They led for much of the game, and were then run down. No wonder coach Filo Tiatia, a former All Black, looked so deflated post-match. It’s a tough gig being boss of the Sunwolves. Chiefs Highlanders Blues Kings Waratahs Reds Sunwolves