Crusaders have huge injury concerns
INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders have a shortage of hookers heading into next weekend’s Super Rugby Final against the Lions in Christchurch.
Reserve hooker Andrew Makalio, who is regular back up to Codie Taylor, was a late withdrawal from the bench for his team’s semifinal clash against the Hurricanes, which the Crusaders won 30-12. Makalio picked up a calf strain in training and is unlikely to be fit for the Final.
It is a big blow for the Crusaders as Makalio did a good job replacing Ben Funnell, who suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the season.
Makalio’s late replacement on the bench for the semifinal Sebastian Siataga is also doubtful for the Final.
After replacing Taylor in the 71st minute, Siataga only lasted two minutes before he had to leave the field with what looked like an arm injury. He was sent to the hospital for scans.
The Crusaders will also be sweating over the fitness of loose forward Jordan Taufua and centre Ryan Crotty.
Tuafua suffered an arm injury in the win and he was also taken to hospital for an x-ray.
Crotty left the field in the 73rd minute for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment).
“We will monitor him [Crotty] during the week, he passed the first part of it. He did get a bell ringer and we will just trust our medical staff with the process,” said Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson.
Source: stuff.co.za
