Hurricanes face anxious wait after blockbusting All Black helped from field

The Hurricanes’ latest win, a scratchy 38-15 performance against the Drua in Suva, may have come at a steep cost for the Super Rugby Pacific leaders.

Asafo Aumua, perhaps the form hooker in the competition in 2024, was taken from the field just 12 minutes after joining the contest in Fiji.

The six-time All Black went down in the 61st minute after what appeared to be a serious leg injury as he was running around the back of a ruck to join the defensive line.

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While the work-horse 26-year-old had been involved in a number of collisions and breakdowns leading up to his injury, he looked to be in no discomfort until the action where a sudden limp intruded his stride mid-run, prompting Aumua to instantly clutch his left knee.

Aumua attempted to walk it off but when a penalty halted play on the very next phase, his attempt to return to the goal line with his teammates saw the look of discomfort intensify.

Moments later Aumua could be seen on the ground surrounded by medical staff, one of whom could be seen doing standard checks for any evidence of damage to the knee.

Referee Paul Williams called time off as the hooker was being assessed, but the decision was soon made by the medical team to take Aumua from the field.

The powerhouse front rower wore a grimace as he avoided putting any weight on the leg, exiting the game with the help of the two medical staff.

The Hurricanes are yet to reveal any details about the injury, and it is unclear whether Aumua has received an initial diagnosis or testing in Suva.

The Hurricanes vice-captain had stepped up as captain to start the season before the return to full fitness of Brad Shields. Aumua had been making waves with his form, with an All Blacks recall looking all but certain under new coach Scott Robertson.

The hooker was a dominant and decisive figure in the Hurricanes’ round-eight win over the Chiefs.

Asafo Aumua last night 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DcT7CyC1Bx

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) April 14, 2024

Fans online expressed their sympathy for the Wellington star and were hoping for a quick recovery from the apparent injury.

“I really hope that’s not serious for Asafo Aumua. He’s been massive for the Hurricanes this season, with possible consequences for the All Blacks if that’s long-term,” one wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

I really hope that’s not serious for Asafo Aumua. He’s been massive for the Hurricanes this season 🌪, with possible consequences for the All Blacks if that’s long term.#DRUvHUR #SuperRugbyPacific

— The Rick Sanchez of Rugby 🏉🎯 (@RugbyRickSZ) April 19, 2024

Things went from bad to worse for the team in the game as well, with flanker Duplessis Kirifi yellow carded just two minutes later and lock Isaia Walker-Leawere followed suit just one minute on. The team were only back to the full complement briefly before reserve lock Caleb Delany was handed a yellow card with just minutes to play in the game.

Down to 13 men, the unbeaten Hurricanes were put to the ultimate test by the Fijian flair and vocal crowd. Coach Clark Laidlaw is sure to be happy with how his team held their opponents to just one penalty while out-manned for much of the final quarter of the contest.

When reduced to 14 later in the game, the ‘Canes even finished on a high note with a try to prop Xavier Numia.