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Reds sweat over teenage prodigy

INJURY UPDATE: The Reds will cross their fingers for good news as Jordan Petaia awaits scan results following his short-lived return to Brisbane at the weekend.

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The emerging centre sent tongues wagging with his powerful display in New Zealand against the Highlanders last weekend but was felled on his first run in the Reds’ 22-12 loss to the Crusaders in Brisbane.

The 18-year-old’s lower leg was awkwardly squashed in a tackle, forcing him to limp off as the Reds battled hard to stay in touch with the back-to-back defending champions.

Coach Brad Thorn wasn’t sure of the extent of the injury, labelling it “possibly an ankle” despite it being labelled a foot sprain during the game.

If diagnosed as a Lisfranc fracture it would all but rule the Wallabies contender out of Japan’s World Cup in September.

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“We’ll find out when they get that checked up,” Thorn said. “He looked a bit ginger though; it wasn’t great losing him early.

“He’s a great young talent, a disappointing night for him.”

The Reds battled on without their young livewire, pushing the Crusaders in what was a record-extending 18th consecutive Super Rugby victory.

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Fullback Bryce Hegarty, who played on despite popping a rib, was used often as first receiver to relieve the pressure on five-eighth Hamish Stewart.

Too often they gifted the Crusaders pressure-free possession though, Thorn admitting their kicking game remained a work in progress.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson praised the Reds’ toughness, saying there was a “new feel” about them.

“We’ll all probably answer that question better (how much have they improved) in about six weeks once they’ve got a few more games under their belts,” he said.

“They’ve got a tough start, got quite a tough draw.

“But some good signs, good energy and they worked hard.”

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