Derbies taking its toll says Chiefs coach
Friday's derby saw the Hurricanes moved to the top of the Super Rugby standings with 25-13 win.
They may be crowd favourites,and please the sponsors, but the intense brutality of derbies does not impress Cooper who called on SANZAAR to limit the carnage they produce.
The Chiefs' injury toll has been so high that in their first seven games, which included five derbies, that they've fielded seven players who weren't in their original squad.
"I think both camps have got stitches and bruised bodies around the place," Cooper said after Chiefs prop Aidan Ross was taken from the field with a broken ankle during their 13-25 loss to the Hurricanes.
"I don't know whether we need to be smashing each other like we are, and I think the people above need to probably have a look what's happening.
"I think it's just the attrition of playing each other twice. Playing once is enough."
The Chiefs face the Reds in Brisbane in Round 10 on Saturday.
Source: AFP
