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Sonny Bill Williams sidelined as Blues suffer double injury blow
By Online Editors
The Blues will be without the services of two of their key players for the upcoming fortnight as Sonny Bill Williams and Blake Gibson have been ruled out due to injury.
Both players have been sidelined with knee injuries, and will miss two important New Zealand derby clashes against the Chiefs in Hamilton this Saturday and the Highlanders in Dunedin next week.
Williams, the squad's vice-captain, and Gibson, the squad's co-captain alongside lock Patrick Tuipulotu, have had limited appearances for the Blues due to both form and injury.
Williams has started just twice from seven matches this season, making a further four outings from off the bench, with fellow second-five Ma'a Nonu often being the preferred option by coach Leon MacDonald.
He captained the side for the first time against the Sunwolves during their 28-20 win in Albany last month, but missed their next clash against the Highlanders in Auckland due to the Christchurch terrorist attacks.
Gibson, who has struggled with injuries throughout the entirety of his four-year Blues career, missed his side's opening three fixture of the season due to an ankle injury sustained in a pre-season match against the Chiefs, before returning to the starting lineup for the Sunwolves clash.
He went on to start at openside flanker in the ensuing three matches against the Highlanders, Stormers and Waratahs, but this most recent knock will be a frustrating blow for the injury-plagued 23-year-old.
The Blues are enjoying one of their most successful season in recent times, currently lying in 5th place as they chase their first play-offs appearance since 2011.
After losing their first three matches on the trot, they have secured four consecutive wins in as many weeks, and will be looking push for a spot in the top four with a win at Waikato Stadium this weekend.
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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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