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'We're gutted for him': All Blacks star facing up to nine months on the sidelines
By Finn Morton
TJ Perenara is in a race to be fit for next year’s Rugby World Cup after he ruptured his Achilles in the dying stages of the All Blacks’ dramatic 25-all draw with England.
Perenara, who was playing just his second Test of the year, is reportedly facing up to nine months on the sidelines.
The 30-year-old was seen limping off the field after England scored their third try inside the final 10 minutes of the blockbuster at Twickenham.
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster confirmed Perenara had “ruptured his Achilles” after chasing a kick in the final couple of minutes.
“I wouldn’t say that but we’re gutted for him,” Foster said, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.
“It’s the 78th minute and he’s innocuously gone to chase a kick and it’s gone bang which hurts.”
While it may not be considered an injury crisis yet, Perenara’s injury has created even more headaches surrounding the All Blacks’ already depleted halfback stocks.
Highlanders scrum-half Folau Fakatava, who made his Test debut in the black jersey earlier this year, was sidelined after he ruptured his ACL.
The All Blacks’ first World Cup game, which is against tournament hosts France in Paris, is less than 10 months away.
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Latest Comments
The main problem with the ABs is the captaincy - Barrett is mia and has no influence with refs.
Speaking of refs - Gardner is a disgrace and the only positive thing I have to say about him is - he wont be reffing the Wallabies. Egotistical, inconsistent and myopic - simply woeful.
Go to commentsYes but the sovereign of NZ is an English King not Maori. The dominant and ruling culture is not Maori. England also has a long history of Christianity so perhaps the Christian hymn would fit better in that country than the Pagan Haka in NZ(also a Christian country)?
England has historical links to their old colonies and in fairness 'Swing Low' its a better choice than a supremacist song.
Kiwis are indulged a lot getting the Haka played at every match in the order they insist on. In short.... lets all accept each others little cultural quirks without the self righteousness and over policing?
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