Super 14 Injury Worries

Matt Giteau is in a race against time to be fit for Friday's clash with the Force.

With rugby’s most anticipated tournament less than five days away, many of the top teams are facing injury worries.

With the Sharks Argentinean flyhalf Juan Hernandez long departed, and the ever-injury-prone André Pretorius pulling out of the entire Super 14 with a hamstring ailment on the weekend, it seems like many teams are struggling with the crucial No 10 position in the run-up to the start of the season.

The Brumbies flyhalf Matt Giteau – back after a three-year sojourn with the Western Force – is also struggling with a leg injury, after he suffered a tear in his left thigh in training two weeks ago. Should he not be fit for the Brumbies opener with his old team the Force on Friday, it will be a significant blow for the Canberra-based side.

New Zealand’s Blues, based in Auckland, also have a fair share of injury concerns leading up to the tough derby with local rivals the Hurricanes on Friday. Fullback Paul Williams took a blow to the head, and will have to undergo cognitive testing this week; George Pisi is nursing a damaged shoulder; Anthony Tuitavake is out indefinitely and Luke McAlister is out for the first three Super 14 matches.

Fortunately for Stormers fans, Schalk Burger’s shoulder injury – sustained in the warm-up friendly against Boland on Saturday – is less serious than originally expected, and he should be fit to play on Saturday.