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Fears 18-year-old prodigy Petaia could have sustained dreaded 'Lisfranc fracture'
By Online Editors
Queensland will cross their fingers for good news as Jordan Petaia awaits scan results following his short-lived return to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
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.
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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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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