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Highlanders attack coach provides an update on injured 'weapon'
By Finn Morton
Highlanders attack coach Richard Whiffin has provided an injury update on star halfback Folau Fakatava, who injured his right knee before the All Blacks’ end-of-season tour.
Fakatava, who made his international debut against Ireland last year, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) late last year.
The devastating injury had seemingly left Fakatava in a race to be fit for this year’s World Cup, which is set to get underway in September.
But after suffering another knee injury during the 2021 Super Rugby season, the 23-year-old chose a non-operative approach for his rehabilitation this time around.
And it appears to be working for him.
Attack coach Whiffin said Fakatava is “tracking well” after returning to the training field.
“He’s tracking well,” Whiffin told SENZ Breakfast.
“He’s back on the training field (and) is in our 15 on 15 so he’s worked really hard on his rehab.
“He was obviously with the ABs (All Blacks) the last couple of days so he’s tracking well for being available for the season.
“He is a weapon that we want to be able to use.”
Fakatava opened up about his rehabilitation late last year, and discussed why he chose not to undergo surgery.
“I had surgery on my ACL in 2021 and I wanted to avoid going down that route again if I could,” Fakatava said.
“I am excited about getting into my rehab and giving myself the chance of giving 2023 a real go. Obviously it’s a pretty big year.”
The Highlanders begin their Super Rugby Pacific campaign in a months’ time against the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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