Front-row injury crisis hits Super Rugby leaders Hurricanes

English Woman's Journal - Front-row injury crisis hits Super Rugby leaders Hurricanes

SPORTS 30.04.2024

Front-row injury crisis hits Super Rugby leaders Hurricanes / Photo: Grant Down - AFP/File

Wellington Hurricanes face a front-row injury crisis ahead of Friday's home game against NSW Waratahs, with the Super Rugby leaders down to their fourth-choice hooker.

Change text size:

The Hurricanes had an eight-match winning streak ended by a 27-19 defeat at the ACT Brumbies last Saturday, leaving them a point ahead of the second-placed Auckland Blues.

All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua was ruled out last week for up to two months with a knee injury.

His replacement James O'Reilly then suffered a concussion in Saturday's defeat.

Third-choice hooker Jacob Devery was already sidelined by a long-term injury.

"We're losing bodies in one or two positions," Hurricanes assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal told reporters.

"At hooker, we are going to be tested a lot, so we have to bring guys in."

New Zealand junior international Raymond Tuputupu has been promoted from the wider training group.

He will make only this third Super Rugby appearance on Friday, having replaced O'Reilly against the Brumbies.

Hawke's Bay club hooker Kianu Kereru-Symes has been added to the squad as cover.

The Hurricanes face a tough run-in to June's play offs, with clashes against the Blues and Waikato Chiefs also to come next month.

"We have to learn from how we didn't quite front against the Brumbies, because that is going to be critical hitting the back end of the season," Bleyendaal added.

"If we want to be serious in the play-offs, we're going to have to rectify some of those issues."

N.Macleod--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.