3/9/2011
Injury update: Round 4
By Rebels Media Unit
The RaboDirect Rebel’s progress in round three was hindered by the untimely injury to lock and chief lineout caller, Kevin O’Neill. Desperate to face his former side, the big Kiwi travelled with the side to Hamilton but failed a fitness test on the Friday before the game. Kevin suffered from a grade one calf tear but is expected to be back in action this week.
Such a late withdrawal is always problematic to a side’s preparation, but is particularly unfortunate when the injury is to such a crucial organising figure.
Outside back, Luke Rooney, is another who is expected to return to contention for the round four clash at home to the Sharks. He presented with soreness after the Brumbies match but a precautionary scan revealed a grade one abdominal strain, ruling him out of the trip to New Zealand.
Longer-term absentees, James Hilgendorf and Hoani MacDonald are both recovering well from surgeries to repair injuries suffered in round one. Both men are aiming to be available for selection following the club’s bye week in round eight.
The club is also anxiously awaiting the progress of several soft tissue injuries suffered in last Saturday’s game against the Chiefs.
