0
![Not allowed!](images/buttons/down_dis.png)
![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
AFP
August 20, 2013, 10:06 am
WELLINGTON (AFP) - All Black pivot Aaron Cruden and his back-up Beauden Barrett have both been ruled out of Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Australia, with lock Luke Romano also sidelined with a groin injury.
The trio were all injured in New Zealand's 47-29 win over the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday, adding to an All Blacks' sick list that already includes first-choice fly-half Dan Carter and forward Liam Messam.
Coach Steve Hansen said Romano was set to miss the entire tournament and would not be available until New Zealand's European tour in November, while Cruden would be out for anywhere from two-to-six weeks with a knee injury.
He said Barrett had a minor calf strain and should only miss two Tests, returning to face Argentina in Hamilton on September 7.
"It's obviously hugely disappointing for Luke but he is a strong character and is already planning his rehab with our medical staff," Hansen said.
New Zealand had already prepared for the worst, calling up pivots Colin Slade and Tom Taylor along with forwards Luke Whitelock and Brad Shields to cover any injuries for the game in Wellington.
"It's an exciting time for the replacement players Tom Taylor and Colin Slade and it's also a challenge now for the rest of the team to make their entry into the side as seamless as possible," Hansen said.
Slade, 25, has played 10 Tests and will be favourite to start against the Wallabies ahead of the uncapped Taylor.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...ustralia-test/
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Was it Colin Slade they "resorted to" in the RWC final too? Played for Bath in the UK if I remember rightly?
Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
Donald was the man................................eventually
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Oh that's right - thanks TIF :-)
Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
Lets hope that the coaching staff can sort out the issues from last week and we have a better performance than what we witnessed last weekend
They're making a movie about "That Kick"
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Bugger, I had both Cruden and Roman in my Fantasy team.
That's two forced substitutions before Wednesday!
C'mon the![]()
![]()
white bait is a kiwi delicacy - they love the stuff.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
and Donald was out white baiting with mates when he got the call up to join the RWC squad as injury cover.............gunna be a great flick![]()
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
IIRC he thought the phone call was a prank at first.
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
that "may" have been the Cruden call, Old Ted called him and told him to keep off his skateboard as he might be needed. I must admit it was the funniest week of RWC 2011 and being in NZ listening to them all start freaking as the 10's dropped was so entertaining, plus NOBODY wanted Donald!!!
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
I sit corrected!
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon