Kahui's season comes to an end
Richard Kahui has suffered yet another heartbreaking injury, after the powerful centre dislocated his shoulder during the Chiefs’ 42-27 defeats to the Reds on Sunday.
Kahui has been one of the standout players in a fantastic Chiefs backline this year, and was badly missed after leaving the field against the Reds.
The 26-year-old had formed a formidable centre partnership with Sonny Bill Williams this year and was a strong contender for All Blacks selection.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie fears the worst and believes the injury might spell the end of Kahui’s Super Rugby season.
“We’ll get the shoulder scanned, but the likelihood is it’s the end of his season from a Super Rugby viewpoint,” Rennie told Sportal.co.nz.
“Richard had a big impact in the time he was on the field. I feel for him because he’s a bloody top man, a big part of our leadership group and obviously the All Blacks were pretty keen on him playing there.
“It’s disappointing for him, but knowing him he’ll still have a bit to say about what goes on from here in regard to what we do on the track and helping out the young fellas.”
This is not the first time Kahui has had injury problems, and the big centre is in the category for unlucky players who pick up injuries just when an international call-up appears imminent.
Kahui’s place in the Chiefs midfield is likely to be filled by Jackson Willison, although a re-shuffle with Andrew Horrell pulling on the No.2 jersey and Williams moving to outside centre is also a possibility according to Rennie.
“[Willison’s] been at the Chiefs for three or four years now and played a lot of footy, so it’s a great opportunity,” Rennie said.
“We’ve also got our fullback, Andrew Horrell, who is a 10 or a 12 that’s been playing 15 because we’ve had some injuries back there, but hopefully we get some back so he’s an option to play at 12.
“Sonny [Bill Williams] is quite comfortable playing 12 or 13.”
