1
McKenzie in doubt for Hurricanes clash
By Online Editors
Chiefs star Damian McKenzie could miss his side's heavyweight clash against the Hurricanes this weekend.
The 22-year-old left last week's 21-19 victory over the Blues after roughly 30 minutes of action, and was replaced by his older brother Marty.
After initially dismissing the injury as not serious post-match, Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper told reporters before the team's Monday training session that McKenzie is "a work in progress," and said that if he didn't play this weekend, he would definitely appear next weekend against the Reds.
Fairfax reported that McKenzie was inactive at Monday's training session, applying ice to his hip on the sideline.
Missing Friday night's game would snap McKenzie's streak of 48 straight appearances, and put the Chiefs' five-game winning streak in serious danger.
McKenzie, a 12-cap All Black and back-to-back SANZAAR Super Rugby Player of the Season, currently ranks second in the competition in clean breaks, third in defenders beaten and third in points scored.
Head coach Cooper also shed light on the condition of All Blacks prop Kane Hames, who has been out with a 'mystery illness' all season.
Cooper confirmed that Hames' 'illness' was concussion symptoms, and that he would work his way through the protocol before making a return.
He also noted that co-captain Charlie Ngatai (hamstring) and Brad Weber (wrist) would hopefully return to the side within the next two fixtures.
You may also enjoy:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
RFU statement: Maro Itoje cited for yellow-carded tackle
3
Ox Nche: 'The best feeling is squeezing a prop so hard he passes out'
4
Dragons sign 102kg Stormers centre on immediate deal
5
Latest Comments
Forget the 85kg bit, that can become something else. However I do like the one off test on ANZAC day idea. SR plays Fri/ Sat, test players travel Sunday and the squads have the full week together before playing Saturday. Rest of SR has a week off. Either involve women's teams in same location or in the other country and rotate annually. Herbert is right in that change is needed.
Go to commentsReally Rugbypass? Ben Smith I think you forgot what the Springboks did to the All Blacks at Twickenham 8 weeks earlier? Springboks 35 All Blacks 7. There is alot of ifs and buts in your article. The All Blacks threw the sink at the Springboks and unfortunately they were not good enough regardless if they played with 14 men or not. It was the Springboks who forced the All Blacks to make mistakes! Sorry but not Sorry the Springboks is the best ever Rugby World Cup Nation in the world. 4 Cups baby!
Go to comments