Aumua ‘gutted’ by knee injury
Mark Geenty
Two years on from his shock Hurricanes debut as a teenager, young hooker Raymond Tuputupu is a likely callup to face the Brumbies amid fears of a long-term injury to All Black Asafo Aumua.
The runaway Super Rugby Pacific leaders regrouped at their Upper Hutt training base yesterday after what captain Brad Shields described as one of their best wins, 38-15 over Fijian Drua in Suva on Friday.
Next up are the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday (4.35pm NZT), who the 8-0 Hurricanes will face without Aumua who was helped off with what appeared a serious knee injury.
Coach Clark Laidlaw will provide an update on Aumuatomorrow, and while Shields was unsure of the extent of the injury he gave enough information to suggest hopes weren’t high for a quick return for the form hooker of the competition.
The sight of All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard hobbling on crutches at NZCIS - he is out for six months - was a stark reminder of how quickly things can change, as Aumua undergoes scans.
“He was pretty sore and he’s pretty gutted. He’s a tough man and he doesn’t like to show [any pain] but we’re feeling for him,” Shields said. “It’s a similar situation to Cam and while it’s slightly different injuries, nonetheless when you can’t be a part of the team it’s pretty gutting.
“I know he’ll do everything he can to come back in better shape and as quickly as he can but we will make sure we rally behind him.”
Depth has been the Hurricanes’ strength this year amid their remarkable winning streak, and it will get another stern test against the third-placed Brumbies who were hammered 46-7 by the Blues.
James O’Reilly will most likely retain the No 2 jersey and Tuputupu, who was a late callup for his debut in March 2022 as an 18-year-old, is next cab off the rank for what would be Hurricanes appearance No 2.
While last week was all about preparing for the intense Fijian climate as they conducted trainings and team meetings in the NZCIS heat room, this week is about recovery and re-setting for the Brumbies after a brutal physical contest.
Three Hurricanes - Du’Plessis Kirifi, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Caleb Delany - were yellow carded and saw the visitors reduced to 13 men. They made endless tackles on their line before breaking out and scoring the bonus point try to Xavier Numia after the siren.
“Those moments, I guess they teach you a lot about character and how you're going to perform under pressure,” Shields said.
After the Brumbies match, the Hurricanes host the Waratahs before a blockbuster against the Blues at Eden Park on May 11.